Onshoring Component Manufacturing

Pre-feasibility study to consider the manufacture of iron ore rail car components and rail wagons in WA.

We have lost the local capacity and capability to manufacture iron ore wagon components and rail wagons.

The Problem

Miners and operators consider that it is more economic to procure rail car components and rail wagons internationally, resulting in the closure of local manufacturing and supply.

The Solution

With government, industry, research and associations established the governance structures for miners, operators and suppliers to define and address the gaps. Work with miners and operators to commit to purchase a portion of annual demand from local sources providing suppliers achieve the component and wagon specifications and standards and whole of life costs, comparable with imports. Work with local suppliers to adapt to capability and capacity to supply the miners and operators.

The Benefits

Developed a case that progressed to Feasibility study, for:

• Miners and operators to define and commit to demands for components and purchasing wagons in short run local manufacturing;

• Suppliers to invest in capacity and capability and;

• Government and research to invest in technology and innovation for sustained local supply as an economic and technical alternative to imports.