London – September 09, 2026 -- A&S Resources Limited has secured $6 billion in financing from the Export-Import Bank of India to build a 1,350km railway linking its Central African Republic mineral assets to the deep-water Port of Kribi in Cameroon, unlocking an iron ore deposit valued at approximately $2.5 trillion.
Railway financing clears path to 20 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore
The CAR project sits atop what geologists describe as one of the largest magnetic anomalies globally, with resource potential exceeding 20 billion tonnes of predominantly high-grade iron ore. A&S Resources also holds critical minerals, rare earth elements and copper deposits across the region, positioning the project as a multi-commodity supply source beyond iron ore alone.
Dual-track heavy haul line to move 250,000 tonnes of cargo daily
The railway will operate as a heavy haul dual track system with capacity for 250,000 tonnes of cargo per day, scalable to 300,000 tonnes. The route provides landlocked CAR with its first direct export corridor to international markets via Kribi, removing the principal infrastructure bottleneck that has stalled mineral development in the country.
China Railway Sixth Group brings African rail delivery track record to build
Construction is being carried out in partnership with China Railway Sixth Group Co., Ltd (CRSG), a subsidiary of China Railway Group Limited, which has delivered more than 6,200km of rail infrastructure across Africa. Topographical and technical studies on the line have already begun, with operational mobilisation scheduled for the end of 2026.
Funding follows earlier off-take and construction agreements signed this year
The $6 billion financing builds on strategic agreements signed earlier in 2026 covering mine development, railway construction, export logistics and long-term off-take arrangements. Project backers indicate the corridor could also support broader industrial and agricultural trade growth in CAR and Cameroon, alongside job creation and skills development tied to the infrastructure build.