With the delivery of the 3.3MW locomotives, the number of departures from Tokadeh will be increased to 10 trains a day. The investment in new locomotives is part of AML's plan to increase iron-ore exports from Buchanan from five million tonnes to 15 million tonnes per year.
In preparation for the ramping up of its rail operations, AML is training 18 Liberian drivers, taking the total number of drivers on the line to 34.
The former Lamco railway ceased operating in 1992 during Liberia's prolonged civil war, but following the end of hostilities and the reopening of the Tokadeh mine the line was reactivated by AML in May 2011.
Further details of the revival of the railway in Liberia can be found here.
