$70million rail fleet to set Yilgarn iron ore production records

A new fleet of trains to service the Yilgarn's Carina mine will help lift exports by almost 25 per cent this year and augers well for the future of Western Australia's southern iron ore industry.

Launching the $70million rail expansion today, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion praised the company behind the project, Mineral Resources Limited, for its commitment to the State's resources industry.

"By investing in its own fleet of five locomotives and 400 rail wagons, Mineral Resources will be able to build further on its already considerable success," Mr Marmion said.

The Carina iron ore project is located approximately 100 kilometres north-east of Southern Cross.

The new trains will service the Carina iron ore mine and the company's future mine developments in the region and will allow it to boost production to 5.4 million tonnes next year, up from this year's record of 4.6 million tonnes.

The Minister said the success of the project stemmed from more than 20 years of hard work by everyone involved in the company.

"Without your commitment and determination, today would not be possible," he said.

"This investment promises to improve the output and efficiency of your current operations. Even more important, these trains represent an investment in the future of Western Australia's resources industry."

The names of the five locomotives pay tribute to the region and the project: Southern Cross, Spirit of Yilgarn, Carina Flyer, MinRes Express and Polaris Express.

Fact File

• Since commencing operations in July 2011, the Carina mine has exported more than 7.7 million tonnes of iron ore

• Mineral Resources has expressed an interest in exporting through the Esperance Port Multi User Iron Ore Facility when it begins operations

Minister's office - 6552 6800