ARA Board Chair Lucio de Bartolomeo and General Manager Advocacy and New Zealand Simon Bourke visited key member sites in Western Australia this week to discuss the key issues impacting the industry. They met with Speno Rail Maintenance Australia, Aries Rail and Rio Tinto, discussing topics including the role of WA-based innovation and operations supporting the mining, freight and rail maintenance sectors across Australasia.

At Speno Rail Maintenance Australia, the delegation met with Managing Director Mark Green, where they discussed Speno’s work to deliver rail testing and grinding equipment and services to major mining, resource and rail infrastructure companies across Australia and New Zealand. Mr Green advised all of Speno’s machines, equipment and vehicles are designed, manufactured and assembled in Western Australia, underscoring the state’s role as a hub for specialist rail engineering and capability.

At Aries Rail, the delegation was hosted by CEO Nathan Bender and Managing Director Ewan McAllister, who provided an overview of their work in design, engineering and manufacturing services for industries requiring innovative rail construction and maintenance solutions.

The program also included a visit to Rio Tinto’s Operations Centre in Perth, where they met with General Manager Rail Operations Tim Eckersley. The visit provided an opportunity to gain insights into one of the world’s most advanced heavy haul rail systems, transporting more than 320 million tonnes of iron ore each year from mine to port. The centre oversees the operation of Rio Tinto’s 2.4 km-long trains, weighing over 30,000 tonnes each, as well as 18 mines, four port terminals and 2000km of rail infrastructure.

The visits highlighted the depth of rail capability within Western Australia, from world-class manufacturing to the management of some of the globe’s most complex freight operations. The ARA values the opportunity to engage with members on site and thanks Speno Rail Maintenance Australia, Aries Rail and Rio Tinto for their time and insights.