Wabtec Corporation and Rio Tinto SimFer have unveiled the first ES43ACi Evolution Series locomotive built to support rail operations for the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea. The locomotive, produced at Wabtec’s facility in Marhowra, India, is the first in a fleet ordered in 2024 for use on the new TransGuinéen Railway.
The Simandou project is a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), and is regarded as Africa’s largest mining and infrastructure development initiative. Once operational, the 600-kilometre multi-use railway will transport high-grade iron ore from the Simandou mountains in southeastern Guinea to a port in Forécariah prefecture.
“This locomotive symbolises a major step in our strategy to connect the Simandou project to the world while bringing opportunities to the people of Guinea,” said Charles Zimmermann, Global Head of Projects at Rio Tinto. “We’re proud to see the first SimFer locomotive begin its journey toward Guinea.”
The newly unveiled locomotive features a distinctive blue and turquoise livery and will be operated by La Compagnie de TransGuinéen, the joint venture responsible for managing the railway.
The locomotive was revealed during a ceremony attended by representatives from the governments of Guinea, India, and the United States, as well as executives from Rio Tinto SimFer, Wabtec, and Indian Railways.
“This unveiling is a tribute to a global team that designed and built a locomotive specifically tailored for the Simandou project,” said Mpilo Dlamini, Regional Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Wabtec. “These locomotives will support the efficient export of critical minerals while contributing to economic growth in Guinea.”
The Wabtec ES43ACi locomotive is equipped with a 4,500 horsepower Evolution Series diesel engine, offering high fuel efficiency and reliable performance in challenging, high-temperature environments. It also marks Wabtec’s largest heavy-haul export order assembled in India.
Simandou is estimated to hold around 1.5 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore. The project’s scale and infrastructure investment are expected to provide long-term socio-economic benefits to Guinea, including job creation, increased trade, and improved access to services across the railway corridor.
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