In a significant milestone for the development of the Simandou project, Wabtec Corporation has announced a $248 million order from the Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), a joint venture formed by Baowu and Winning. This strategic order marks a crucial step in building the railway infrastructure necessary for the exploitation of the world’s largest untapped iron ore deposit.
The transaction, announced on January 29, 2025, involves the supply of Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives, specifically designed to meet the operational demands of the Simandou project. This order adds to a previous acquisition made by SimFer, the joint venture of Rio Tinto, bringing the total contract value to over $500 million. This commitment represents one of Wabtec’s largest international locomotive deals in the past five years.
Mpilo Dlamini, Wabtec’s Regional Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the significance of the project: "Simandou represents a transformational economic opportunity for Guinea. Our commitment goes beyond merely supplying advanced locomotive solutions. We are dedicated to ensuring the success of this crucial initiative in partnership with WCS and SimFer."
The ES43ACmi locomotives set to be deployed at the site boast impressive technical features. Equipped with a 4,500-horsepower engine and a dual-cab configuration, they are specifically designed to perform in the demanding climatic conditions of eastern Guinea. Their exceptional energy efficiency and proven performance make them particularly well-suited to the challenges of the Simandou project.
About Wabtec
Wabtec Corporation, formed from the merger of Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) and MotivePower Industries Corporation in 1999, has established itself as a global leader in the rail sector. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this American company significantly strengthened its market position in 2019 through the strategic acquisition of GE Transportation.
A Fortune 500 company, Wabtec is known for its ability to produce a comprehensive range of railway equipment, from freight car components and passenger transport vehicles to powerful locomotives capable of reaching 6,000 horsepower. The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation and technical excellence through numerous strategic acquisitions and technological advancements.
This new order for the Simandou project not only reflects the trust placed in Wabtec by major mining industry players but also highlights Guinea’s growing importance in the global iron ore market. The deployment of these state-of-the-art locomotives will significantly contribute to modernizing the country’s transport infrastructure and boosting the region’s economic development.