Rio Tinto has announced that its first Pilbara-made iron ore rail car has rolled off the manufacturing line in Karratha, marking a key milestone in a AUD 150 million partnership with Australian rail industry supplier Gemco Rail to expand local manufacturing.
In a news release, Rio Tinto said the new rail car is the first of 100 to be built in Western Australia under the partnership, which earlier delivered 40 WA-made units at Gemco Rail’s Perth facility.
The remaining rail cars will now be manufactured at a new purpose-built facility in Karratha, where machinery for assembly and bearing refurbishment has been relocated from Perth. Rio Tinto said the workshop will create up to 25 local jobs.
The ASX-listed company said the Karratha-made rail cars will begin hauling iron ore from its 18 Pilbara mines to Dampier and Cape Lambert this month, with each car capable of carrying up to 118 tonnes.
Rio Tinto said the partnership reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting local manufacturing and regional communities.
Formed in 2023 by Rio Tinto, Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd, the initiative has also received support from the Western Australian Government.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said the milestone aligns with the State’s focus on boosting local industry.
“My government’s priority is diversifying Western Australia’s nation-leading economy by supporting initiatives that help our State become a place that makes more things here,” he said.
“We’re proud to see businesses like Rio Tinto and Gemco Rail get behind our State’s industry, build more things here and create WA jobs.”
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz said the manufacturing work represents a significant step for the region.
“We’re thrilled to be working with our partners to bring iron ore rail car manufacturing to the Pilbara for the first time,” he said.
“Local manufacturing strengthens not only our business, it also empowers local communities, supports regional jobs and creates new economic opportunities in the Pilbara.”
Gemco Rail’s parent company Engenco Limited said the Karratha expansion reinforces its long-term commitment to regional industry.
Chief Executive Officer Dean Draper said, “Establishing a manufacturing presence in Karratha strengthens our ability to work closely with customers, enhances supply chain resilience, and supports regional industry while creating employment opportunities.”
CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd representative Vincent Zhu said the company values its role in the localised operation.
“As a long-term and valued supplier of Rio Tinto, QRRS is honoured and proud to support Rio Tinto on the localisation project of ore cars to contribute to local society and communities,” he said.
Rio Tinto noted that it operates about 13,500 iron ore rail cars across its Pilbara network and typically replaces around 10 retired units each year.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Rio Tinto Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Rio Tinto. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
