$400 million automatic iron ore trains for WA

18 Jun 08

International mining group Rio Tinto has announced it will inject USD 371 million (close to AUD 400 million) into automating its iron ore railway in Western Australia.

The company’s site in the Pilbara region will be equipped with driverless trains within five years, helping it achieve its goal of expanding annual iron ore production to 320 million tonnes by 2012.

Chief executive Tom Albanese said automation of the rail network is an important step towards its vision of the “mine of the future”.

”This innovation will allow us to deliver more tonnes, faster, to meet the continuing surge in demand for iron ore from China and other emerging economies,” Mr Albanese said.

Incorporating the existing train management system, automated operations will allow the company to enhance scheduling flexibility and reduce delays.

The automation project will be the first of its kind to be used in a heavy-haul railway.

The roll-out of automation forms part of the company’s comprehensive rail network upgrade project, which entails the introduction of 40 new-generation locomotives, extensive re-railing and a reinvestment in rolling stock.

The company’s iron ore chief executive Sam Walsh said: “Our immediate goal is to ensure the continued safety of our rail operations while implementing leading technology, and meeting our ongoing need for train drivers as we expand.

”While some roles may change due to expansion plans, current employee numbers will not be reduced by the automation of most rail operations.”