Strengths

The railway's strategy of expansion and modernisation of services has resulted in rail tonnages more than doubling over the last 10 years from 2.5 million tons in 1997 to 5.0 million tons in 2007. In the first half of 2008 minor reductions in tonnages from existing customers were offset by initial shipments for Codelco’s Gaby mine and increasing volumes from the San Cristobal mine in Bolivia following initial shipments in the second half of 2007. Transport tonnages should increase in the second half of the year as both the San Cristobal and Gaby mines reach full production. The rail network also remains well placed to benefit from any further increases in mining activity in northern Chile.

The FCAB has a long-term investment programme to improve its network generally and to upgrade its track, by re-laying heavier rail to support increased axle loads. This modernisation programme protects both the quality of services provided and the safety of operations throughout the system.