Wabtec, an American railway company, has announced a $277 million contract to supply locomotives to SimFer, a joint venture between the Guinean government, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH).
The order includes an undisclosed number of ES43ACmi locomotives equipped with a cab at each end.
Locomotives to Support Simandou Iron Ore Project Operations
These locomotives will be utilized for the Simandou iron ore project in eastern Guinea. The railway, a crucial infrastructure for facilitating the export of extracted resources, will span 600 km (including tunnels) and feature 12 stations, 213 bridges, 4 tunnels totaling 69.93 km in length, and over 1,256 culverts and canals.
Deep-Water Port and Export Capacity
The project also entails the construction of a deep-water port in Moribayah, with construction having commenced earlier this year.
According to the joint venture’s officials, these logistical arrangements will enable the export of 120 million tons per year during the first phase and 160 million tons during the second phase.
Railway to Connect Regions and Facilitate Trade
The railway will serve both passenger and freight transportation, with potential access for third-party mining companies located along the corridor. The tracks will connect the four regions of Guinea, linking them to Africa and the rest of the world.