Rio Tinto is scrambling to figure out why an autonomous train derailed two days ago around 120 kilometres from Dampier.
The train — which a Rio spokeswoman said was empty and in autonomous mode at the time — left port at Dampier when 38 cars derailed on Sunday evening.
“The train was in autonomous mode and thankfully no one was involved in the incident,” the spokeswoman said.
“An investigation has begun, and the appropriate regulators have been notified.
“Work to recover derailed wagons has also commenced.”
Rio Tinto managing director of port and core services Richard Cohen said the miner was currently investigating what caused the incident.
“We need to understand what happened, we don’t know that yet,” Mr Cohen said.
Rio said the derailment occurred on a dual track, with the adjacent rail line unimpacted, meaning trains can continue to operate in the area.
More to come …