Rio Tinto has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Western Australia-based manufacturers to build 100 rail cars for its Pilbara iron ore mining operations.

The EOI callout follows its announcement in September it would look for opportunities for Western Australian suppliers to help grow the local rail car manufacturing industry and support local jobs.

Rio will initially purchase 50 rail cars from the successful supplier, followed by an ongoing commitment of 10 rail cars a year for the next five years, it said.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, said: “I strongly encourage Western Australian manufacturers to submit an EOI to build these iron ore rail cars to service our Pilbara operations. We’re pleased to offer this opportunity to local businesses to support local jobs and the Western Australian economy.

“As the local manufacturing industry grows, we will continue to look at ways to engage local businesses to be part of our supply chain.”

The EOI supports the vision of the Western Australian Government’s iron ore rail car action group, which was formed to develop Western Australia’s manufacturing capability and which Rio Tinto is a member.