The Goldsworthy railway, owned and operated by BHP, is a private rail network in the Pilbara region of Western Australia built to carry iron ore.

[8][9] Treasurer Wayne Swan suggested that several advantages would accrue from access to the rail lines by third parties.

[11] The Goldsworthy railway is 208 kilometres (129 mi) long, connecting the Yarrie mine to Finucane Island, near Port Hedland.

[12][13] In 1966, the first of six English Electric, Rocklea built locomotives (no 3 to 8) to the same design as the Western Australian Government Railways K class.

[16][17] In March 2012, BHP Billiton placed an order for 80 Electro-Motive Diesel SD70ACe/LCi locomotives for use on its Western Australia mining railroads.