Wabtec Unveils First Simandou Locomotive for Guinea Rail
28 May 2025
2 Min Read
CW Team
Wabtec Corporation and Rio Tinto SimFer, a joint venture of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), have unveiled the first ES43ACi Evolution Series locomotive for the TransGuin茅en Railway. The milestone marks a major step in the development of the Simandou iron ore project鈥擜frica鈥檚 largest mining and infrastructure investment.
The locomotive, produced as part of SimFer鈥檚 2024 order, will support rail operations linking the high-grade Simandou iron ore reserves in southeastern Guinea to international markets. The 600-km multi-use railway will connect the mines to a coastal export terminal in For茅cariah prefecture.
鈥淭his locomotive symbolises a pivotal step in connecting Simandou to the world and creating opportunity for Guinea,鈥� said Charles Zimmermann, Global Head of Projects, Rio Tinto. 鈥淚ts arrival supports our goal of delivering Guinea鈥檚 iron to global markets efficiently and sustainably.鈥�
The unveiling was attended by officials from Guinea, India, and the US, alongside representatives from Indian Railways, Wabtec, and Rio Tinto SimFer. The locomotive, painted in blue and turquoise livery of La Compagnie de TransGuin茅en, is the first of several units to be deployed for this large-scale infrastructure venture.
鈥淭his is a proud moment for our global team,鈥� said Mpilo Dlamini, Regional VP, Wabtec Sub-Saharan Africa. 鈥淭he ES43ACi is purpose-built to withstand demanding high-temperature conditions and will play a key role in transporting Simandou鈥檚 high-grade ore while supporting local economic development.鈥�
Manufactured at Wabtec鈥檚 plant in Marhowra, India, the locomotive boasts a 4,500 HP Evolution Series diesel engine designed in the US, offering industry-leading fuel efficiency and heavy-haul performance. This represents Wabtec India鈥檚 largest-ever export order for heavy-haul locomotives.
With an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore reserves, the Simandou project is expected to significantly boost Guinea鈥檚 economic output, infrastructure capabilities, and global role in mineral exports.
Wabtec Corporation and Rio Tinto SimFer, a joint venture of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), have unveiled the first ES43ACi Evolution Series locomotive for the TransGuin茅en Railway. The milestone marks a major step in the development of the Simandou iron ore project鈥擜frica鈥檚 largest mining and infrastructure investment.The locomotive, produced as part of SimFer鈥檚 2024 order, will support rail operations linking the high-grade Simandou iron ore reserves in southeastern Guinea to international markets. The 600-km multi-use railway will connect the mines to a coastal export terminal in For茅cariah prefecture.鈥淭his locomotive symbolises a pivotal step in connecting Simandou to the world and creating opportunity for Guinea,鈥� said Charles Zimmermann, Global Head of Projects, Rio Tinto. 鈥淚ts arrival supports our goal of delivering Guinea鈥檚 iron to global markets efficiently and sustainably.鈥漈he unveiling was attended by officials from Guinea, India, and the US, alongside representatives from Indian Railways, Wabtec, and Rio Tinto SimFer. The locomotive, painted in blue and turquoise livery of La Compagnie de TransGuin茅en, is the first of several units to be deployed for this large-scale infrastructure venture.鈥淭his is a proud moment for our global team,鈥� said Mpilo Dlamini, Regional VP, Wabtec Sub-Saharan Africa. 鈥淭he ES43ACi is purpose-built to withstand demanding high-temperature conditions and will play a key role in transporting Simandou鈥檚 high-grade ore while supporting local economic development.鈥滿anufactured at Wabtec鈥檚 plant in Marhowra, India, the locomotive boasts a 4,500 HP Evolution Series diesel engine designed in the US, offering industry-leading fuel efficiency and heavy-haul performance. This represents Wabtec India鈥檚 largest-ever export order for heavy-haul locomotives.With an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore reserves, the Simandou project is expected to significantly boost Guinea鈥檚 economic output, infrastructure capabilities, and global role in mineral exports.
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