What Is Mining Rail?
Jan 14, 2026
What Is Mining Rail?
Mining rail is an important railway track material. It refers to the steel rail used for light rail, featuring light weight, small cross-sectional area, and low load-carrying capacity.
Mining rails are characterized by their lightweight design, small cross-sectional area, and lower load-carrying capacity compared with mainline or heavy-duty rails. This makes them easy to handle, transport, and install, which is crucial in confined or frequently changing mining environments. Despite their lighter profile, mining rails are manufactured from high-quality steel, providing sufficient strength, durability, and wear resistance for the lighter axle loads typically encountered in industrial operations.
Common Mining Rail Sizes and Standards
| GB Standard | Head Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Base Width (mm) | Web Thickness (mm) | Nominal Weight (kg/m) | Steel Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8kg | 25 | 65 | 54 | 7 | 8.42 | Q235B |
| 9kg | 32.1 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 5.9 | 8.94 | Q235B |
| 12kg | 38.1 | 69.85 | 69.85 | 7.54 | 12.2 | Q235B |
| 15kg | 42.86 | 79.37 | 79.37 | 8.33 | 15.2 | Q235B/55Q |
| 18kg | 40 | 90 | 80 | 10 | 18.06 | Q235B/55Q |
| 22kg | 50.8 | 93.66 | 93.66 | 10.72 | 22.3 | Q235B/55Q |
| 24kg | 51 | 107 | 92 | 10.9 | 24.46 | Q235B/55Q |
| 30kg | 60.33 | 107.95 | 107.95 | 12.3 | 30.1 | Q235B/55Q |
Light steel rail vs Heavy track rail
Light steel rail and heavy track rail differ mainly in weight, load capacity, application, and installation requirements.
| Feature | Light Steel Rail | Heavy Track Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Weight & Size | Small, lightweight profile | Large, heavy profile |
| Load Capacity | Light to moderate loads | Heavy axle loads, frequent traffic |
| Applications | Industrial, mining, temporary, light-duty tracks | Mainline, high-speed, heavy-duty industrial tracks |
| Installation | Easy handling, flexible layout, simpler foundation | Requires strong sleepers, solid foundation, precise alignment |
| Track Flexibility | Adapts to tight curves | Best for straight tracks and large-radius curves |
| Durability | Moderate wear resistance, easier replacement | High wear resistance, long service life |
Common Heavy Rail Sizes and Standards
| Classification | Height(mm) | Head (mm) | Bottom (mm) | Thick(mm) | Weight (kg/m) | |
| Heavy Rail | 38 KG/M | 134 | 68 | 114 | 13 | 38.733 |
| 43 KG/M | 140 | 70 | 114 | 14.5 | 44.653 | |
| 45 KG/M | 145 | 67 | 126 | 14.5 | 45.546 | |
| 50 KG/M | 152 | 70 | 132 | 15.5 | 51.514 | |
| 60 KG/M | 176 | 73 | 150 | 16.5 | 60.64 | |
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