THE FIRST of 100 locally made iron ore railcar wagons has been built for iron ore giant Rio Tinto’s Pilbara operations.

Built by Gemco Rail at its Forrestfield premises in the Perth metropolitan area, the move is part of the state government’s efforts to increase local manufacturing.

In the partnership between the government, Rio Tinto, Gemco and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock, Rio Tinto has invested around $150 million to build the rail cars over the next six years, as well as continued investment in bearing refurbishment for its Pilbara operations.

The State Government has contributed $6.9 million to Gemco under the Local Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF) to upgrade its Forrestfield facility and establish a new facility in Karratha.

The partnership establishes a new local supply chain that aims to create jobs and boost manufacturing in the state.

WA Premier Roger Cook said: “Our vision for Western Australia’s future is clear: we want to continue working closely with the resources industry to diversify our nation-leading economy and make more things here.

“These railcars are an excellent example of that vision already in action. I want to congratulate Rio Tinto, Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock for building locally and supporting Western Australian jobs and industry.”

The first 40 rail cars will be built at Gemco’s Forrestfield facility in Perth, as it sets up a manufacturing workshop in Karratha, where 60 more rail cars will be made, starting later this year.

The new Karratha facility will support up to 25 jobs in the region.

Rio Tinto uses about 13,500 iron ore rail cars across its Pilbara iron ore rail network. It typically replaces about 10 retired iron ore rail cars with new rail cars a year.

The first locally made rail cars by Gemco are expected to start hauling ore in the Pilbara in the first half of 2025.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said the company was keen to support local business and create new economic opportunities in the communities where it operates.

“By partnering with Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock, we are establishing new manufacturing capability in the Pilbara that will create a reliable and sustainable supply chain to support our operations and the regional economy for years to come.”

Gemco Rail is using advanced engineering and manufacturing expertise, alongside robotic welding technologies, to create rail cars that will each carry up to 118 tonnes of iron ore from Rio Tinto’s 17 mines in the Pilbara to its ports.

The new Karratha workshop will also support the supply of new and reconditioned rail car bearings from the Pilbara and reduce the need to transport iron ore rail cars and bearings from Perth.