By:Energycapitalpower

Railway corporation Wabtec and mining developer Rio Tinto SimFer have unveiled  the first Evolution Series ES43ACi locomotive for the TransGuinéen Railway project in Guniea -Conakry.

Developed in support of the Simandou iron ore project, the 4,500HP heavy-haul diesel locomotive was assembled at Wabtec’s Marhowra plan in India and features U.S.-designed fuel-efficient Evolution Series technology.

“This locomotive symbolizes a major step in our strategy to connect the Simandou project to the world, while bringing opportunities to the people of Guinea,” stated Charles Zimmermann, Global Head of Projects, Rio Tinto.

The ES43ACi units will transport iron ore along the newly built 600 km multi-use railway from the Simandou mountain range to the Forécariah port on Guinea-Conakry’s coast.

“These locomotives will efficiently facilitate the export of the mine’s critical minerals, while contributing to economic development in Guinea and providing access to services across the infrastructure corridor,” added Mpilo Dlamini, Regional Vice President of Sub-Saharan Africa, Wabtec.

Rio Tinto SimFer is a joint venture company between the Guinean government; mining corporation Rio Tinto; and Chinese holding company Chalco Iron Ore Holdings.