Gemco produces Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made iron ore rail car

The production is part of an AUS$150m (~$100m) partnership between the two, which saw 40 Western Australian-made iron ore railcars delivered earlier this year.

Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Matthew Holcz said: “We’re thrilled to be working with our partners to bring iron ore rail car manufacturing to the Pilbara for the first time.

“Our Western Australian operations haul more than 300Mt of iron ore across almost 2,000km of rail tracks every year. Local manufacturing strengthens not only our business, it also empowers local communities, supports regional jobs and creates new economic opportunities in the Pilbara.”

These rail cars will begin hauling iron ore from Rio Tinto’s 18 Pilbara mines to its Dampier and Cape Lambert facilities later this month.

Machinery to assemble the iron ore rail cars and complete refurbishment work has been relocated to the new Gemco facility in Karratha, creating up to 25 local jobs.

CEO of Engenco, Gemco Rail’s parent company, Dean Draper, added: “We are pleased to deliver on our commitment with the expansion of our operations into the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

“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. The Gemco team remains focused on supporting our customers and building capability within our local workforce to deliver high-quality, sustainable rail solutions.”