The SDL40-2 CC # 118 built by EMD in 1997 pulls the about 2 kilometer long loaded ore train M6 of the SNIM (Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière) from Zouérate to the port of Nouadhibou at line kilometer 404 between Choum and Ben Amira, together with the SD70ACS CC # 127 from 2012 and the SDL40-2 CC # 113 from 1993. The 652-kilometre-long standard-gauge, single-track railroad line through the Mauritanian desert was built between 1960 and 1963 to develop the ore deposits around Zouérate. The SD70ACS is a 4,500 horsepower (3,400 kW) AC variant for heavy haul freight, used in desert environments. The first 25 units were ordered for Saudi Railway Company in April 2009 and assembled in the London, Ontario, plant for delivery in the second half of 2010. Special features include a pulse filtration system, movable sand plows, EM2000 control system and FIRE display system. Mauritania's Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière placed a contract for seven SD70ACS locomotives in October 2010. They were built at Progress Rail Manufacturing Corp, Muncie, Ind in 2012. Note the loaded donkey on the third car, on top of the iron ore.
