History of the Institute of Railway Technology

At BHP Melbourne Research Laboratories (MRL) work on railway technology commenced in 1972, with the primary objectives being to resolve immediate operational and maintenance problems in high density mineral railways (in particular BHP Iron Ore) and to improve their cost effectiveness. The success achieved in this field has earned an international reputation. Since that time new technologies have also been applied to general railway operations, particularly mass transit railway systems. International contract activities have included mass transit systems in Hong Kong and Singapore, and heavy haul operations in Mauritania.

Establishment of the Institute of Railway Technology within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Monash University follows from a strategic decision by BHP to outsource a number of key research and development activities. The railway research and technology development program within the University will continue to be directly supported by BHP during its initial period of operation.

All current railway research and technology development activities undertaken by BHP at Melbourne Research Laboratories (MRL), including those for the heavy haul operations of BHP Iron Ore, and rail and steel sleeper development programs for BHP Steel are been transferred to the Institute of Railway Technology. These will be complimented by existing and future contract R&D activities for Australian and international railway operators, railway contractors, and manufacturers and suppliers of railway equipment and consumables.