Dated –30-05-2011
Gary Webb is used to driving his 140 tonne triple road train nearly 1,500 kilometres to Fortescue Metals Group’s (FMG) Cloudbreak Mine, Western Australia.
“It’s spectacular country, red and remote,” is how Gary describes the drive on the Great Northern Highway between Perth and Newman.
Western Australia’s Pilbara region carries one of the world’s richest iron ore deposits. FMG’s Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek mines are near the Fortescue River, north-east of the town of Newman.
Gary says, “The last part of the trip, leaving the main highway, is on unmade road and we take it very easy. Our trucks are built for the conditions, but it’s always a challenge.”
“We are in constant contact with other drivers on the road, staying in touch is important to help keep us alert to hazards. Sometimes we come across horses or cattle crossing the road, so we have to have our wits about us.”