The Republic of Guinea has taken a strategic step with the entry into operation of the Simandou project, the largest mining and infrastructure development under construction in Africa. With the joint participation of the WCS and SimFer consortia, the country is entering a new phase of large-scale iron ore exports.
Simandou project to transform regional trade
With more than 600 kilometers of trans-Guinean railways and a river port network at Forécariah, the system will facilitate the outflow of up to 120 million tons of iron ore annually. This capacity positions Guinea as a key supplier of high-quality ore to the steel industry with low emissions. industry with low emissions..
The development is being executed by a strategic alliance that includes the Guinean government, Rio TintoChinalco, Baowu and the Winning Consortium (WCS). All constructed assets will be managed by the Compagnie du TransGuinéen, a mixed entity in which the State owns 15% and private partners the remaining 15%.
First shipments on the move
Both SimFer and WCS have started transporting ore from their respective concessions in the southeast of the country to the Atlantic coast. Rail and port system integration tests are underway, while logistics are being fine-tuned to achieve full operation.
Representatives of the companies involved stressed that this development represents a logistical improvement and projects Guinea as a strategic player in the global green steel chain. green steel. In addition, the government considers it a central part of its vision of sustainable development and economic sovereignty.
Source: Rio Tinto
Photo: Shutterstock
