Ventia successfully recommissioned 54 kilometres of railway into South Australia's Iron Knob mine, with half of the work new track construction.

Over the course of eight months from May 2014 to February 2015, Ventia worked to improve and extend the line so our client could increase the freight load and speed when transporting iron ore. The upgraded line meant that mined iron ore could be transported straight to a new plant, saving time and money.

Services provided

  • New track construction
  • Welding services
  • Re-sleepering
  • Track surveying and recording
  • Level crossing upgrades
  • Solar light installation
  • Signage



Managing challenges and safety

Major project challenges included the mine being disused since 2000. Our restoration had to address all the problems that one would expect with a rundown asset, but with an intelligent and skilled workforce, we dealt with all challenges that came to hand. Importantly, throughout the process keeping our client informed and ensuring we remained on target.

Our smooth and precise work was recognised across the industry and we were recruited to upgrade more remote railway tracks in South Australia. A contract we completed in 2016 saw us work on 65 kilometres of live rail running between Thevenard and Kevin.

We exceeded 100,000 work hours LTI and MTI free, a safety record that highlights putting safety and health above all else.