Yes, volume of a tonne of bauxite is larger than volume of a...

Yes, volume of a tonne of bauxite is larger than volume of a tonne of iron ore but ultimately it is the axle loading that will determine rail capability. Hence, mostly about weight. You can add more carriages behind a monster locomotive...just as they do all over WA.

The major point that some are skipping lightly over is that Canyon are looking to go in as a freight client on a predominantly existing rail system that has next to zero load in the direction of the port. Hence, NO capital cost and likely excellent freight rates. This changes many dynamics and your mate last night would likely have a different attitude if he was aware of more detail.

There is enough info out there in the public domain (previously posted in here) to establish that Cameroon is preparing for a serious infrastructure push supported by IMF, European Investment Bank and China. These two just today's headlines.

https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/chinese-envoy-to-visit-cameroon-tomorrow/

https://www.businessincameroon.com/...ther-ease-investment-procedures-for-investors

But once again, buying is an option, not an obligation

PS I expect to be on site in Cameroon in 4 weeks. Flying out tomorrow for a different companies site visit so unable to post much in next 2 weeks.