Rio scrambles to clear derailment on Pilbara main line

Rio Tinto is working to clear wagons and restore train services on the eastern side of its Tom Price main line after a derailment early on Sunday morning.

A spokesman for the company yesterday confirmed “a small number of wagons” had left the track on the main line near Ti Tree Camp at about 12.30am Sunday but there had been no injuries or environmental impacts.

Operations on the western side of the dual-tracked section of the network were continuing as normal.

“The regulator has been notified, response and recovery teams have been mobilised and an investigation into the derailment has commenced,” the Rio spokesman said.

The derailment is not expected to affect the company’s iron ore shipping guidance.

Update: Rio restored rail operations on Thursday, February 15.