Metals company Rio Tinto has announced that efforts are in progress to restore operations on the Iron Ore Company of Canada’s railway line, but the line will remain inactive until at least the following week. A train derailment near the Nicman area on the main line of the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway disrupted services. Rio Tinto, the majority stakeholder of IOC, stated on Tuesday evening that it is actively working to clear the tracks and resume rail traffic. The company reported that a train carrying four excavators from Sept-Iles has reached the site, while another train with three excavators is en route from Labrador City.
According to Rio Tinto, two teams consisting of around 15 individuals, including two contractors, will work in shifts around the clock to complete the necessary tasks. The company plans to use excavators on both sides of the derailment site to move the wagons. The Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, a private Canadian regional railway linking Labrador City with Quebec, has been impacted by the incident.
Rio Tinto spokesperson Simon Letendre informed CBC News that the expected timeline for resuming rail operations is likely to be next week. He stated, “At this time, the estimated timeline for the resumption of rail traffic remains unchanged at seven to ten days from the date of the accident.” Tshiuetin Transportation Inc., which operates a passenger train service on the line, has also suspended its services temporarily. James Berube, the general manager and COO, mentioned in a previous interview with CBC News that approximately 150 individuals are awaiting transportation at either end of the route, with several campers in the area. Plans are being formulated to assist the stranded passengers, including the possibility of chartering a plane or helicopter for their transport.