Cornwall freight boost as GB Railfreight secures major china clay deal

GB Railfreight has secured a new agreement with Imerys to transport china clay from Cornwall, strengthening its presence in the South West and underlining continued demand for rail freight services in the region.

The two-year contract will see kaolin moved from extraction sites in Cornwall to key destinations including Fowey Docks and Cliffe Vale in Staffordshire. The mineral, widely known as china clay, is a vital industrial material used in products ranging from paper and paint to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and has been mined in Cornwall for generations.

The deal reflects ongoing efforts to shift freight away from roads and onto rail, a move that can help reduce congestion, improve safety and limit the impact of heavy vehicles on rural infrastructure. In areas such as Cornwall, where road networks can be more limited, the use of rail is seen as particularly beneficial.

Beyond the immediate contract, GB Railfreight has signalled wider ambitions to expand its operations across the South West. The company already plays a role in supporting the reliability of the rail network through seasonal treatment services, helping ensure both freight and passenger trains can operate effectively.

Carl Kent, Sales Director at GB Railfreight, said:

“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Imerys, supporting the movement of critical local volumes and reinforcing our ambition to grow rail freight in the South West. We look forward to delivering our market-leading service to Imerys for at least the next two years. In addition to transporting kaolin, we provide seasonal treatment services to help keep the rail network operating reliably for both passenger and freight services, including Belmond’s Britannic Explorer, across the region. This will see an increased number of ‘blue’ trains operating from 2026 and beyond in the area. Looking ahead, we see strong growth opportunities in emerging markets in the South West and are committed to being the leading rail freight operator in the region.”

Image: GB Railfreight