Start of AutoHaul project boosts iron ore transport in Pilbara region
Improved rail capacity and performance in the Pilbara region has helped Rio Tinto see an increase in iron ore shipments in the third quarter of 2017.
The company recorded 85.8 million tonnes of iron ore shipments, which is six per cent higher than the previous third quarter.
Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques says one of the reasons for this growth is the start of its AutoHaul project.
The company recently announced the successful completion of its autonomous heavy haul rail pilot, which is a part of the much-delayed AutoHaul project.
“The business performed very well in the September quarter, with a strong quarterly production performance and a wave of productivity improvements embedded through our operations,” Jacques says.
“In particular, we are making good progress with further improvements to our world-class Pilbara iron ore business, including the opening of the Silvergrass mine and the implementation of AutoHaul.”