Edith River Derailment

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

EDITH RIVER DERAILMENT [Abstract]

Schedule of Business Insurance Recoveries [Table Text Block]

EDITH RIVER DERAILMENT:

On December 27, 2011, a train operated by the Company's subsidiary, GWA, derailed on the Edith River Bridge in Australia's Northern Territory (the Edith River Derailment). Flood waters associated with heavy rainfall from Cyclone Grant washed away the southern portion of the Edith River Bridge while a northbound GWA intermodal train consisting of three locomotives, an unoccupied crew van and 33 wagons was passing over the bridge en route to Darwin. The locomotives were damaged and the crew van and several intermodal containers and wagons containing copper concentrate were derailed into the river.

The railroad segment between Katherine and Darwin remained out of service for approximately 60 days. The Edith River Bridge reopened on February 29, 2012. The 60-day closure of the Edith River Bridge reduced the Company's revenues by approximately $7 million and reduced the Company's operating income from operations by approximately $5 million. In June 2012, the Company recorded a gain on insurance recoveries and a related insurance receivable of A$4.8 million (or $4.8 million at the average exchange rate on June 30, 2012) for a business interruption claim. The Company anticipates further business interruption insurance recovery related to the Edith River Derailment in the fourth quarter of 2012 or first quarter of 2013.

In December 2011, the Company recorded a liability of A$15.0 million (or $15.3 million at the exchange rate on December 31, 2011) for the estimated repair and related costs associated with the Edith River Derailment. Since the Company believes substantially all of these costs will be recovered through insurance, the Company also recorded a receivable of A$14.0 million (or $14.3 million at the exchange rate on December 31, 2011), with the difference representing the Company's insurance deductible. The Company increased its estimate of costs associated with the Edith River Derailment, as well as its estimate of insurance recovery, each by A$12.8 million (or $13.2 million at the exchange rate on September 30, 2012) during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company made cash payments of A$20.5 million (or $21.5 million at the average exchange rate during the period) as a result of the derailment and received cash proceeds from insurance of A$20.0 million (or $20.9 million at the exchange rate on the date received). As of September 30, 2012, the Company's outstanding insurance receivable associated with repair costs was A$6.8 million (or $7.1 million at the exchange rate on September 30, 2012).

The Company believes it is possible that additional claims related to the Edith River Derailment may arise and additional costs may be incurred. The Company is unable to estimate the range of such claims based on currently available information. However, the Company does not anticipate that these additional claims or costs, if any, will have a material adverse effect on its operating results, financial condition or liquidity.