Wabtec Unveils First ES43ACi Locomotive for Guinea Railway

Wabtec has unveiled the first locomotive for the Simandou railway in Guinea, marking a major step toward advancing Africa’s largest mining infrastructure project and enhancing cross-border mineral exports. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The event took place at Wabtec’s Marhowra facility in India and brought together executives from Wabtec, Rio Tinto SimFer, and officials from Guinea, India, and the U.S. The locomotive, painted in La Compagnie de TransGuinéen colors, will serve the new 600-km rail corridor.

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Charles Zimmermann, Global Head of Projects at Rio Tinto, emphasized that the Wabtec-built locomotive links the Simandou mine to international markets while fostering development in Guinea. He highlighted its importance in connecting the country to global trade routes.

Mpilo Dlamini, Wabtec’s Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the advanced locomotive was designed to withstand Guinea’s extreme climate and rugged terrain. It will help move high-grade iron ore efficiently and support regional growth.

Wabtec Powers Simandou’s Global Integration

This is Wabtec’s largest heavy-haul locomotive export built at the Marhowra plant. The ES43ACi model features a 4,500HP Evolution Series diesel engine designed in the U.S., optimized for fuel efficiency and extreme performance.

Rio Tinto estimates Simandou’s reserves at 1.5 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore. The railway will connect the mine to a port in Forécariah, Guinea, strengthening export capabilities and opening long-term economic opportunities.

Wabtec’s Innovation Drives Guinea’s Rail Future

Wabtec brings over 150 years of transportation expertise and aims to support sustainable infrastructure development worldwide. Its role in this project highlights its commitment to delivering tailored rail solutions in frontier markets.

For more information about Wabtec’s global transportation solutions, visit Wabtec’s website.

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