BHP clears train wreckage

BHP Billiton says the wreckage from its derailed iron ore train has been cleared and the miner is confident of resuming rail operations early next week.

It is estimated that about 1.5 kilometres of track was damaged when the company deliberately derailed a runaway iron ore train with four locomotives and 268 wagons.

A BHP spokeswoman provided an update today.

“The wreckage from the site has now been cleared from the tracks and we are confident that we will be in a position to resume rail operations early next week,” she said.

“We cannot speculate on the outcome of the investigation however we are working with the appropriate authorities and our focus remains on the safe recovery of our operations.”

On Wednesday the company said its iron ore stockpiles at Port Hedland will not be sufficient to cover the supply disruption caused by the train derailment.

More than 130 people are working on the removal of train debris and repairs to BHP's rail network.

The incident started about 4.40am on Monday when the train began to move while the driver was outside conducting an inspection.

The train then travelled about 90km until about 5.30am when it was intentionally derailed from the Integrated Remote Operations Centre (IROC) in Perth.

The company said the derailment decision was made with safety as the highest priority.

The train derailed near Turner, which is about 120km south of Port Hedland.

BHP’s Pilbara mines produced 69 million tonnes of iron ore in the June quarter and the company had been projecting total production of between 273mt and 283mt for the year to June 2019.

Shares in BHP finished 0.24 per cent higher at $33.41 each today.