Mauritania’s iron ore train: A lifeline through the Sahara

Colossal train traverses 700 km daily, transporting 22,000 tons of iron ore

NOUADHIBOU, Mauritania (MNTV) — Stretching 2.5 kilometers, Mauritania’s iron ore train is a lifeline across the roadless expanse of the Sahara Desert. 

Since its inception in 1963, the train has been essential in connecting remote regions to the coastal port of Nouadhibou while carrying massive loads of iron ore.

Covering a 700-kilometer journey, the train transports 22,000 tons of ore daily from the mining hub of Zouérat to global markets via Nouadhibou. 

For many Mauritanians in inaccessible areas, it also serves as the only connection to civilization, providing a critical link for goods, livestock, and even passengers.

The train consists of three diesel locomotives, a single passenger car, and over 200 cargo carriages. 

With no safety features and unpredictable schedules, the journey is often perilous, yet it remains indispensable for those living in isolated parts of the country.

Passengers riding the train often share stories of kindness amidst hardship. 

Travellers often recount the generosity of Mauritanians, explaining how, despite living in abject poverty, they look out for them. They share their food and water, invite them into their carriages, and ensure their safety, all without expecting anything in return.

The iron ore train not only symbolizes the harsh realities of life in the Sahara but also reflects the resilience and hospitality of Mauritania’s people, who navigate the unforgiving desert with unwavering strength and compassion.