A&S Resources secures $6 billion for 1,350-km railway in Central Africa

LONDON, Sept. 4, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- A&S Resources Limited has secured a significant funding package of $6 billion from the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) to construct a 1,350-kilometer railway connecting its mineral assets in the Central African Republic (CAR) to the deep-water Port of Kribi in Cameroon. This development marks a crucial step in unlocking one of the world's largest undeveloped high-grade iron ore reserves, estimated to exceed 20 billion tonnes with a gross in-situ value of approximately $2.5 trillion.

The railway, which will be a heavy haul dual track with a daily capacity of 250,000 tonnes and the potential to scale to 300,000 tonnes, will provide a direct route for these valuable resources to reach international markets. This infrastructure project will not only overcome a significant infrastructure challenge for mineral development in the landlocked CAR but also stimulate wider economic growth in both CAR and Cameroon.

A&S Resources' project is strategically linked to one of the world's largest magnetic anomalies, which geologists describe as a major mineral resource potential. The company also holds critical minerals, rare earth elements, copper, and other strategic resources in the region. The new railway will facilitate the export of these resources, enhancing global trade and contributing to the economic development of the region.

The project builds on earlier strategic agreements signed by A&S Resources, covering mine development, railway construction, export logistics, and long-term off-take arrangements. Topographical and technical studies for the railway have already commenced, with operational mobilization scheduled for the end of 2026. The development is a collaborative effort with China Railway Sixth Group Co., Ltd (CRSG), a subsidiary of China Railway Group Limited, which has extensive experience in delivering rail projects across Africa.

The new railway will not only transport iron ore and other strategic minerals but also have broader economic implications. It is expected to create job opportunities, support skills development, and attract additional investment and trade, contributing to the overall industrial and agricultural development of the region.

According to A&S Resources, the project will significantly enhance the company's ability to access international markets and maximize the value of its vast mineral reserves. The new infrastructure is expected to have a transformative impact on the economic landscape of CAR and Cameroon, positioning the region as a key player in the global iron ore and strategic minerals market.