The president of the Republic of Guinea, along with project partners, celebrated the start of operations at Simandou, Africa’s largest integrated mine and infrastructure project.
The project will install over 600km of rail, along with barge and Transhipment Vessel port facilities. Following commissioning and ramp up, the infrastructure will support the export of up to 120Mt/yr of iron ore mined by SimFer and Winning Consortium (WCS).
SimFer is a joint venture, with companies such as Rio Tinto, Chinalco, and Baowu owning a portion.
Rio Tinto chief executive, Simon Trott, said: “This outstanding achievement has been made possible through the dedicated hard work of thousands of our colleagues, and the complementary strengths and expertise of Rio Tinto, our SimFer partners, the Government of Guinea and Winning Consortium Simandou.
“Today we are unlocking an exceptional new source of high-grade iron ore that is in demand from customers for low-carbon steel making, enhancing our world-class portfolio of iron ore mines in the Pilbara and Canada.”
Testing and commissioning of the mine and infrastructure systems is underway with both WCS and SimFer having commenced the transport of iron ore from mine gate to the port.
The project is being co-developed between the government of Guinea, SimFer, and WCS. Once commissioned, all co-developed infrastructure and rolling stock will be transferred to and operated by the Compagnie du TransGuinéen, in which Simfer and WCS each hold a 42.5% equity stake, with Guinea holding the remaining 15%.
Djiba Diakité, minister and chief of staff to the president of Guinea, added: "Simandou is more than a mining project: it is the driving force behind a national transformation. This collective success reflects the vision of the head of state and the determination of an entire nation to build a future of shared prosperity.
“This inauguration marks a foundational milestone for Guinea, which now stands as a key player in sustainable development and economic sovereignty in West Africa.”
