36 Locomotives and 1,743 Wagons: African Development Bank Approves $150 Million Loan for Mauritania’s Iron Ore Rail Expansion

Wedoany.com Report-Jan 2, According to available information, the goal is to double the transport capacity of the iron ore railway by 2030.

Mauritania’s state-owned iron ore company SNIM is set to increase its rail operations following a $150 million senior loan approval by the African Development Bank. Part of a $467 million program, the financing will go toward acquiring up to 36 locomotives and 1,743 wagons.

Plans include a 12 MW photovoltaic solar facility to address decarbonization efforts. Projections indicate that upgrading logistics infrastructure will also support the production of higher-value iron ore products, such as pellets. The Global Center on Adaptation, through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme, will provide technical assistance to help the company address climate change risks in rail and mining activities.

SNIM has contributed an estimated 9 percent of Mauritania’s GDP, 14 percent of government revenue, and 37 percent of export value this year. With 6,750 employees, it remains one of the region’s major iron ore producers and a source of intra-African trade, supplying resources to North African markets.