A&S Resources Secured $6 Billion for Africa Rail Line
The project will connect Central African Republic mining assets to the Kribi port to boost mineral exports.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Transportation
Live Poll
Should nations prioritize massive foreign-funded infrastructure projects to develop their mineral resources?
A&S Resources has secured $6 billion in funding to construct a 1,350-kilometre railway linking iron ore deposits in the Central African Republic to the Kribi port in Cameroon. The project aims to unlock mining assets estimated at over 20 billion tonnes of ore.
Why it matters
The development addresses the Central African Republic's lack of direct sea access, which currently prevents the export of significant mineral deposits. It signals a major shift in logistics capacity for large-scale mining operations in the region.
A&S Resources secured $6 billion for a 1,350-kilometre railway capable of carrying 250,000 tonnes of ore daily. This infrastructure supports access to deposits estimated at 20 billion tonnes of iron ore.
The players
A&S Resources
A mining entity managing properties in the Central African Republic with assets containing over 20 billion tonnes of iron ore.
The details
The project will utilize a Chinese infrastructure firm to build the rail link, which is designed to eventually scale to 300,000 tonnes of daily capacity. This rail line is expected to facilitate up to 90 million tonnes of annual exports, potentially requiring support for an additional 70-80 Capesize vessels. The strategy aims to bridge the gap between inland mineral resources and global markets that imported 1.3 billion tonnes of iron ore in 2025.
Timeline
2025: Global iron ore imports reached 1.3 billion tonnes.
February 2026: A&S Resources signed agreements for mine and rail development.
2030-31: India targets producing 255 million tonnes of crude steel.
2031: The window for China's projected iron ore import growth concludes.
Early 2030s: The earliest anticipated start for iron ore exports.
Market Landscape
The project aligns with the sustained 1.5-2% annual growth in China's iron ore imports projected through 2031. It positions A&S Resources to capture market share alongside traditional exporters as global demand evolves.
Operators in the mining and logistics sectors should monitor the early 2030s export timeline as a signal for potential capacity shifts in the Capesize vessel market. The 90-million-tonne annual export target represents a significant addition to current global supply chains.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects in landlocked regions require long-term capital commitments and coordination across multiple sovereign jurisdictions. Operators should track the construction of the 1,350-kilometre rail line as a primary indicator of future iron ore supply availability.
Further reading
For broader trends in global logistics, see our coverage on Transportation.
Live Poll
Should nations prioritize massive foreign-funded infrastructure projects to develop their mineral resources?
