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MinRes launches $70m rail project

UPDATE 2.20pm: Mineral Resources has launched a $70 million rail expansion for its Carina iron ore mine in WA's Yilgarn region north east of Southern Cross.

The new fleet of trains will help lift exports by almost 25 per cent this year.

Launching the expansion, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion praised MinRes for its commitment to the State's resources industry.

"By investing in its own fleet of five locomotives and 400 rail wagons, Mineral Resources will be able to build further on its already considerable success," Mr Marmion said.

The new trains will service the Carina iron ore mine and the company's future mine developments in the region and will allow it to boost production to 5.4 million tonnes next year, up from this year's record of 4.6 million tonnes.

The names of the five new locomotives pay tribute to the region and the project: Southern Cross, Spirit of Yilgarn, Carina Flyer, MinRes Express and Polaris Express.

Since beginning operations in July 2011, the Carina mine has exported more than 7.7 million tonnes of iron ore.

MinRes has already expressed an interest in exporting through the Esperance Port Multi User Iron Ore Facility when it begins operations.

MinRes shares closed up five cents at $10.96.