Operations Begin at Guinea’s Giant Simandou Iron Ore Project

The long-awaited Simandou iron ore project in Guinea has officially commenced operations, marking a historic milestone for both the nation and Africa’s mining landscape. Situated in the Simandou mountains of southeastern Guinea, this project represents Africa’s largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure development. It is based on the world’s most significant untapped deposit of high-grade iron ore, a resource that has remained dormant for decades due to political, logistical, and financial challenges. The launch signals the beginning of a new era in Guinea’s industrial growth, as the project transitions from years of preparation and negotiation to full-scale operational execution.

The official launch ceremony, held at the Forécariah port, brought together key figures including Guinea’s President and representatives from global industry leaders such as Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), China Baowu Steel Group, Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco), and Rio Tinto. The project’s infrastructure includes over 600 kilometers of newly constructed trans-Guinean railway lines and barge port facilities, creating a direct export route from the interior mining zones to the Atlantic coast. This integrated mine-rail-port system is designed to support annual exports of up to 120 million tonnes of premium-grade iron ore, ensuring Guinea’s entry into the ranks of major global exporters. The management of this vast infrastructure network falls under Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), a joint venture between SimFer (a Rio Tinto-Chinalco partnership), WCS, and the Government of Guinea, symbolizing a model of public-private cooperation.

Simandou’s significance extends beyond resource extraction, as it underpins Guinea’s broader vision of economic sovereignty, industrial diversification, and sustainable development. The project is expected to generate thousands of local jobs, boost infrastructure development, and enhance fiscal revenues. Moreover, the high-grade iron ore extracted from Simandou will cater to the growing global demand for low-carbon steel production, supporting the international transition toward greener industrial practices. Rio Tinto and its partners have highlighted the importance of collaboration between international investors and Guinean stakeholders, describing it as essential for unlocking the full potential of this world-class resource.

In a broader context, the operationalization of the Simandou project represents a transformative moment for Guinea and Africa’s mining sector at large. It positions Guinea as a formidable global supplier of premium iron ore, rivaling traditional producers such as Australia and Brazil. This development is expected to stimulate regional trade, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Africa’s strategic role in global mineral supply chains. For the continent, Simandou is not only a mining project but also a symbol of how resource-rich nations can leverage their natural endowments to drive industrialization and economic empowerment.

Mini-Glossary

• Greenfield project: A new project built from scratch, not based on existing infrastructure.
• High-grade iron ore: Iron ore with a high concentration of iron, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly for steelmaking.
• Low-carbon steelmaking: Steel production methods that minimize carbon dioxide emissions.
• Public-private cooperation: Collaboration between government entities and private companies for mutual economic development.