What is the iron ore train?
What is the iron ore train? About Mauritania's iron ore train The train is operated by the national mining and industrial society (SNIM). And its role is to take iron ore from the mines near the town of Zouerat and transport and deliver it to the port city of Nouadhibou.
Why are train tracks rusted?
Exposure to moisture and oxygen is the primary cause of rust formation. When railway tracks are exposed to rain, snow, or humidity, moisture accumulates on the surface of the tracks, creating a conducive environment for rust formation. Additionally, exposure to saltwater can accelerate the rusting process.
How much does it cost to ride the train in Mauritania?
There is also the option to ride inside the single passenger carriage. There are limited spaces in the carriage (there is only one passenger carriage). A ticket for the passenger carriage in the iron ore train costs 6 EUR (current in 2023).
How long is the iron ore train in Mauritania?
At nearly 2.5km in length, the iron trains of Mauritania are among the longest in the world. Their journey extends between Zouerat – the largest town in the country's north, known for its iron ore mining industry – and the port city of Nouadhibou in the west, for a total distance of 652km.
How long are BHP iron ore trains?
Carajás Railway 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) gauge iron ore trains are typically 330 cars long, totaling 3 km in length. VLI 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) Grain with 160 hopper cars, or 80 hoppers plus 72 FTTs (for pulp transport) totaling about 3.2 km (2 miles) long.
Where is the iron ore train?
The Mauritania Railway is the national railway of Mauritania. Construction of the line began in 1960, with it opening in 1963. It consists of a single, 704-kilometer (437 mi) railway line linking the iron mining center of Zouérat with the port of Nouadhibou.
What is the largest iron ore train?
Among the longest trains in the world, they travel hundreds of kilometres through the Sahara desert to deliver iron ore. At nearly 2.5km in length, the iron trains of Mauritania are among the longest in the world.
Why do people ride the iron ore train?
However, it eventually turned into a way for the desert nomads to get food and supplies deep into the Sahara. Not only would people ride trains out of the mines, but desert dwellers would ride the train to the Atlantic to trade for items like fish to bring back to their families.
Why do they put rocks on train tracks?
It is a crushed stone or gravel material that is used to support and level the tracks in a railroad track bed. The primary purpose of ballast is to provide stability to the tracks, allowing trains to run smoothly and safely. Additionally, it helps to drain water and other materials away from the tracks.
Why is riding the train so expensive?
Many of the lines don't make any money or are operated at a loss. To accommodate the money-losing routes, Amtrak uses profits from its popular lines, such as the Northeast Corridor. Since this is one of the most popular routes, Amtrak can charge higher prices and send those profits to other, less profitable lines.