TTCI and NRC selected as Prime Contractors to Increase Axle Loads on the Companhia Vale do Rio Doce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information:
Britto Rajkumar at 719-584-0566
Craig Ceppetelli at 613.998.9388

January 17, 2008, Pueblo, Colo. Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) has teamed up with National Research Council Canada - Centre for Surface Transportation Technology as prime contractors to provide specialist services to increase axle loads on heavy haul railroad operations on the Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (VALE) in the north (Estrada de Ferro Carajás, EFC) and southeast of Brazil (Estrada de Ferro Vitória Minas, EFVM).

"With increased axle loads, capacity will increase, and VALE will be able to extend asset life and increase productivity,“ said TTCI Marketing Director Britto Rajkumar.

For EFC, the nominal current axle load of 31.5 tonnes will increase to 37.5 tonnes with steps at 32.5 and 35.0 tonnes. For EFVM, the average current axle load of 25 tonnes will increase to 35.0 tonnes with steps of 27.5, 30 and 32.5 tonnes.

The scope of work includes economic and engineering analysis of rolling stock, permanent way, and operations. All parts of the railway system, including the mine, railway, and port, will be considered. The project will take around 4 years to complete.