The scale of opportunity in the rail sector in Africa is vast.
As the world's prosperity grows and new markets develop, the
demand for minerals and other resources increases. Until now, much
of Africa's mineral wealth has stayed stubbornly in Africa and
this is perhaps due, in no small part, to lack of joined-up rail
infrastructure.
Heavy haul rail is, of course, not the only means of
transporting minerals. However, once implemented it is probably the
most efficient means of moving bulk materials and if Africa's
mineral resources are to be unlocked then heavy haul rail will have
its part to play. Indeed, some commentators believe that a
comprehensive heavy haul network could make the difference between
a valuable deposit and "expensive dirt". To unlock
resources of the scale available in Africa, it is likely that over
2-3000km of new rail with be needed which, for the track alone,
carries a price tag of over $25bn.
