The US-based Wabtec Corporation has signed a $277 million contract with Rio Tinto Simfer to provide the multinational mining company with a fleet of cutting-edge equipment for its Simandou project, aimed at improving the country's rail infrastructure. This strategic cooperation strengthens the economic ties between Guinea and the US and demonstrates commitment from both sides to the country's development.

A game-changing initiative ?

The Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG) joint-venture, formed in July 2022, brings together the Guinean government, Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) and Rio Tinto Simfer. Each mining company holds an equal equity stake in the joint-venture, while the Guinean state holds 15% stake.

The Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG) will build a 600+ kilometer long mulit-use rail track, along the Transguinéen corridor. This rail track will link the Simandou mountain range to the Morebaya port, in Forécriah on the Guinean cost. The project will include the construction of 235 bridges and more than 27 kilometers tunnels, with the longest being 11 kilometer-long.

A sustainable impact

In its communiqué, Rio Tinto Simfer states that "The ES43ACmi is a dual-cab locomotive with a 4,500HP Evolution Series engine. In addition to providing best-in-class fuel efficiency, the locomotive provides proven performance in high-temperature environments. It is also capable of meeting UIC 3A and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 3 emission standards".

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The Webtec locomotives will be operating on a new rail track, hence supporting the export of the iron ore that will be extracted from the Simandou moutain. This project will have a sustainable impact on the Guinean economy, and will create opportunities for future generations.

To sum up, the order of locomotives from Rio Tinto to Webtec marks an important milestone in the development of the Simandou project and the country's rail infrastructure. It demonstrates a commitment to economic development and the well-being of Guineans.