Inauguration of the Simandou Integrated Project: A historic turning point for Guinea

Among those in attendance were His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic; His Excellency Liu Guozhong, Vice Premier of China; His Excellency Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire; and His Excellency David Moinina Sengeh, Prime Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

This historic event marks the culmination of more than two decades of effort and Guinea’s entry into the circle of the world’s leading iron ore exporters. A true symbol of President Mamadi Doumbouya’s vision for a sovereign and prosperous Guinea, the Simandou Integrated Megaproject combines the mine, railway, and port in a total investment exceeding $US20 billion.

The project, the result of an unprecedented partnership between the Guinean State and international operators Baowu Steel, Chinalco, Rio Tinto, and Winning International, has been developed in full compliance with the highest international technical, social, and environmental standards. It has brought together several global industry leaders, showcasing Guinea’s ability to deliver a world-class project within record timeframes.

At the heart of this achievement lies the Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), established in July 2022, which brings together top Guinean and international experts in engineering, logistics, and mining development. This joint structure ensures Guinea a leading role and a 15% contributive and non-dilutive participation in the entire project, guaranteeing national control over the country’s strategic infrastructure.

Stretching over 650 km of dual track, the TransGuinéen railway will connect the mines to the Morébayah port, creating a genuine economic corridor that will open up inland regions and facilitate the transport of passengers, goods, and agricultural products. This infrastructure will serve as a major driver of regional integration and inclusive growth. The Simandou deposit, with its exceptionally high iron content (65%), will also play a key role in the global transition toward low-carbon steel, positioning Guinea as a strategic player in the emerging 'green iron economy.'

Finally, the launch of the Simandou project marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Simandou 2040 Sustainable and Responsible Socioeconomic Development Program. This fifteen-year emergence plan aims to make the megaproject’s resources a driver of shared and lasting prosperity for Guinea. Structured into three five-year phases, it foresees a total investment exceeding US$200 billion to foster inclusive growth, job creation, and long-term value generation.

“Simandou is more than a mining project – it is the engine of a national transformation. This collective achievement reflects the Head of State’s vision and the determination of an entire people to build a future of shared prosperity. This inauguration marks a foundational milestone for Guinea, now asserting itself as a key player in sustainable development and economic sovereignty in West Africa,” declared Djiba Diakité, Minister and Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic and Chairman of the Simandou 2040 Strategic Committee.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/14112025/inauguration-of-the-simandou-integrated-project-a-historic-turning-point-for-guinea/