Simandou partners celebrate start of operations

One of the world’s largest mining and infrastructure ventures marked a milestone this week with the start of operations at Simandou in Guinea

The major project partners from the Chinese-led scheme, including WCS, Baowu, Chinalco as well as Rio Tinto, took part in a ceremony at the port in Forécariah prefecture to celebrate the launch of what is Africa’s largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure project.

WCS is a consortium between Winning International Group and Weiqiao Aluminium (part of the China Hongqiao Group) and United Mining Suppliers (collectively 51%) and Baowu Resources (49%).

“This milestone reflects years of hard work and strong partnership,” said Winning Consortium chairman Sun Xiushun. “Winning Consortium is proud to have delivered on our commitment and to stand with our partners in bringing Simandou into operation.”

The project is delivering more than 600 kilometres of new multi-use trans-Guinean rail together with barge and transhipment vessel port facilities.

Following commissioning and ramp up, this infrastructure will support the export of a combined total of up to 120 million tonnes per year of mined iron ore by SimFer and WCS from their respective Simandou mining concessions in the southeast of the country.

The Simfer joint venture comprises Simfer S.A., the holder of Simandou South Blocks 3 & 4, which is owned by the government (15%) and Simfer Jersey Limited (85%) — itself a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings.

Chalco Iron Ore Holdings is a Chinalco-led joint venture of leading Chinese state-owned enterprises, including Chinalco, Baowu, China Rail Construction Corporation and China Harbour Engineering Company.

“The start of operations of the Simandou project is an important achievement guided by the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, noted Chinalco’s president Wang Shilei.

“It reflects the joint efforts and pragmatic cooperation between China and Guinea, contributing to Guinea’s industrialisation and modernisation process.”

Shilei added that Chinalco is committed to working together with all partners to “fully implement the outcomes of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, advance the high-quality development of the Simandou iron ore project, take concrete actions to deliver on the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the continued deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Guinea.”

Testing and commissioning of the mine, rail and barge port system infrastructure is now underway, with both WCS and SimFer having commenced the transport of iron ore from mine gate to the port via the trans-Guinean rail line.

Once commissioned, all co-developed infrastructure and rolling stock will be transferred to and operated by the Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), in which Simfer and WCS each hold a 42.5% equity stake, with the government holding the remaining 15%.

Rio Tinto’s CEO Simon Trott said the achievement has been made possible through the hard work of thousands of colleagues, and the complementary strengths and expertise of the company and its various partners.

“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.”

Hu Wangming, chairman of China Baowu Group, added that the start of operations marks a “milestone” in the history of the global mining industry.

“Throughout the development process, all parties have maintained a broad perspective and a long-term vision, adhering to the principles of market orientation, rule of law, and internationalisation, ensuring the project’s advancement with high standards and high quality,” Wangming said.

“The stable supply of Simandou’s premium iron ore resources will provide a solid foundation of low carbon raw materials for the development of China’s steel industry and the global steel sector.”

Djiba Diakité, Minister and Chief of Staff to the President and chairman of the Simandou 2040 Strategic Committee, hailed the project as a “driving force” behind 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.”

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