Rio Tinto Works To Recover Around 30 Wagons Of A Self-Driving Iron Ore Train

Rio Tinto has said that it is working to recover around 30 wagons of a self-driving iron ore train. The train in question derailed in Western Australia in an accident. According to analysts, this accident had the potential to disrupt the company’s exports.

Rio Tinto train derails

The derailment of the train caused a significant impact on the company’s exports, but the accident did not cause any injuries. The incident that happened on Saturday was the second such event that had been witnessed by the company after peer BHP Group derailed the runaway iron ore train within the same region towards the end of 2018.

A spokesperson from the company has confirmed this accident, saying that it involved a loaded train. The train had around 30 wagons that derailed around 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Dampier in the Pilbara.

The spokesperson noted that the regulator had approved recoveries on the site. Additionally, the process of recovering the derailed wagons had already started. The incident in question is also likely to have an impact on the operations of the company. Moreover, it might have had an impact on the track of one of the two lines to export ports owned by the miner.

The exports that are affected by this derailment are those from Dampier port and through Cape Lambert in the northern part of Western Australia. It is yet to be determined whether the train schedules to the two places or the shipments by the company to customers would be affected by the move.

It usually takes a lesser period than a week to clear up a track that has been wrecked. According to analysts, Rio would likely be in a position to cover the shipments made from the port stockpiles. The shares of Rio Tinto have reacted to this development as they have tanked by 1.2%. There have also been smaller declines in the other companies operating as iron ore miners.

Rio Tinto starts investigations

Rio Tinto is one of the leading iron ore miners globally. The company is currently operating around 14,000 ore cars across the Pilbara rail network. Each of these cars holds around 118 tonnes of iron ore, giving it significant dominance in the sector.

The company’s statement on the matter has said that it was prioritizing the safety and the wellbeing of its people and communities. As aforementioned, the train was operating in an autonomous mode. As such, there were no human fatalities because of the incident.

The miner has reported this incident to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR). The recovery process for the derailed wagons could see the company restore some of its operations.

“We have started an investigation into the incident and notified the appropriate regulators,” the Rio spokesperson said. “While initial indications are that the Autohaul systems worked as required in the event of a derailment, the incident will be the subject of further regulatory activities.”