First locomotives for EGA’s bauxite mining project arrive in Guinea

Emirates Global Aluminium announced the arrival of two SD40-2 shunting-locomotives that will be used on its under-construction bauxite mining project in in Guinea.

The locomotives will be used to move rail wagons around Guinea Alumina Corporation’s loading area at its mine location and at its unloading platform at Kamsar port on the Guinean coast.

Source: Emirates Global Aluminium

The locomotives, manufactured in the United States, are power-rated to 3,000 horsepower and can shunt and manœuvre up to 120 fully-laden wagons (weighing more than 10,200 tonnes).

GAC’s first bauxite exports are expected to start during the second half of 2019. With a budget of about $1.4 billion, GAC is expected to produce some 12 million tonnes of bauxite per year once fully operational.

Paulo Castellari, GAC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The arrival of these shunting-locomotives is another milestone in the development of our project, which will boost the mining sector and the economy of the area and of Guinea as a whole. Our infrastructure for the mining of bauxite and delivery to ships for export is rapidly taking shape. We are focused on completing our work safely and efficiently.”

GAC will use existing railway lines and hauling-locomotives for most of the 90-kilometre journey from the mine to the port. The company is building rail spurs at both ends of the line to connect the existing rail network to its facilities.