Sounds very expensive. Essentially a pipeline, but with electro-magnetic propulsion of capsules instead of loose ore propelled by pumped water. By the way, could chromite be propelled by the same electro-magnetism without being loaded into capsules?
As a people mover this isn't what the people around the ROF require. It can only function economically between high demand stations, whether to load/unload bulk freight or people. Picture something like an urban Metro or Underground serving communities of at most 4 or 5,000 people who actually live some distance from the likely route. Someone who needs to go to Thunder Bay from Webeque would first have to get to the nearest stopping point or station. That would require a road & either a bus service or an available auto. Then there would have to be a regular schedule of stopping times. Ok, on the 'capsule' after perhaps an hour or more of travel to the staion. Whizz, zap, disgorged at the ore terminus, near Aroland or somewhere likely a distance from Thunder Bay. Again, a bus or auto ride to Thunder Bay. Arrive after a somewhat stressful journey. Compared to present day option of an airplane (govt expense?) this experience doesnt seem an improvement for passengers.
For freight, yes, your ore would arrive at the unload point dry and in good time. Presumably the loading & unloading would be automated, one capsule at a time at regular intervals, with passenger capsules diverted to a separate passenger terminus.
Capsules would be expensive, and there would be 3 types needed, for bulk ore, for other freight such as machinery and groceries, and passenger capsules with seats, lights, windows, etc. These would cost more than railcars.
While it might be useful as a 'proof of concept' for this technology, that could equally be achieved by running a line from somewhere like Las Vegas to Death Valley. They'd get more publicity & tourists.
