Wabtec Corporation has confirmed a $248 million contract with Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), a joint venture between Baowu and Winning International Group. The order includes Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives and associated services to support rail operations for the Simandou iron ore project in eastern Guinea.
The ES43ACmi locomotives, designed with dual-cab configurations and a 4,500 horsepower Evolution Series engine, are tailored to operate in challenging conditions such as the high temperatures in Guinea. They also comply with UIC 3a and U.S. Tier 3 emission standards. Delivery of the locomotives for the Simandou project is scheduled to begin in 2025.
The locomotives will play a role in the construction and eventual operation of the 600-kilometer TransGuinéen Railway, which aims to connect the Simandou mine with the Port of Morebaya. This railway will facilitate the transport of iron ore from the Simandou mountain range, a location identified as the world's largest untapped reserve of high-grade iron ore. WCS is developing blocks 1 and 2 of the deposit, estimated to contain over 1.8 billion tonnes of reserves.
The Simandou project is positioned as a key development for Guinea, with ongoing efforts to establish the infrastructure required for mining operations and logistics.
