Fortescue railway | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Status | Operational |
Locale | Pilbara, Western Australia |
Termini | |
Service | |
Type | Heavy rail |
System | Pilbara |
Operator(s) | Fortescue Metals Group |
Depot(s) | Thomas Yard |
History | |
Opened | 5 April 2008 |
Technical | |
Line length | 620 km (385 mi) |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
The Fortescue railway, owned and operated by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), is a private rail network in the Pilbara region of Western Australia built to carry iron ore. It opened in 2008.[1] When it was completed, it was the heaviest haul railway in the world, designed for 40 tonne axle loads, 2.5 to 5 tonnes heavier than the other Pilbara iron ore rail systems.[1] On 4 November 2014, FMG Rail commenced trialling 42-tonne axle loads.
In addition to the FMG line, a number of other networks operate in the region. Rio Tinto operate the Hamersley & Robe River railway,[2] BHP operates the Goldsworthy and Mount Newman railways and Hancock Prospecting the Roy Hill railway.[3]