Rio Fails in Pilbara Rail Access Dispute

Rio Tinto has failed to stop Australia's competition watchdog from considering a plan by Fortescue Metals Group to open up rail lines in Australia's Pilbara region to third parties.

Iron ore miner Fortescue says other mining companies should be able to use Rio's Hammersley rail line to transport ore to port.

Rio is against allowing third parties access to the rail lines because it would cause bottlenecks and reduce the industry's efficiency.

But the country's Federal Court has now rejected that argument, writes Australia's ABC News.

The National Competition Commission is now considering the application by Fortescue.

By staff writer