About us
Our Vision
SimFer’s vision is driven by delivering the Simandou project with our partners in a timely, efficient, and safe manner – adhering to the internationally-recognised standards for this uniquely complex and nation building project.
Our Values - Wontanara
We are working together to create a culture which reflects who we are as an organisation, aligned with our goals which are built upon the values of care, courage and curiosity. This culture is Wontanara.
Wontanara means ‘We are together’, in Soussou (one of Guinea’s most widely spoken language).
Wontanara is how we work together at Simandou as individuals, as a team, as a community, and as part of Guinea’s future. It is our shared responsibility, across every level of our business.
Simandou Project
Located in the southeast of Guinea, the Simandou mountain range is home to some of the highest-grade iron ore in the world.
Once complete, Simandou will be Africa’s largest mine and related infrastructure project – combining an integrated rail and port servicing two independent mining operations.
The Simandou Project includes:
- SimFer S.A.’s mining project covering exploration and operation of blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou Range. SimFer S.A. is the joint-venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea and SimFer Jersey Limited, which in turn a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), a Chinalco-led joint venture of leading Chinese SOEs, including Baowu.
- Winning Consortium Simandou’s mining project covering exploration and operation of blocks 1 and 2 of the Simandou Range. WCS MineCo is a joint-venture between Winning Consortium Holdings and Baowu.
- With their affiliated companies, SimFer Infraco Guinée S.A., WCS Ports S.A. and WCS Railway S.A, are delivering a codeveloped and co-funded 600-kilometre TransGuinéen multi-use railway; and port on the Morebaya river South of Conakry.
Based on the co-development agreement, the WCS entities are responsible for constructing the 600km main rail line up to a tie-in point in the Kérouané region, a 16 km rail spur connecting its blocks 1 and 2 to the main line and a barge wharf in Morebaya.
In parallel, SimFer Infraco Guinée S.A. is building a 78 km rail spur to connect blocks 3 and 4 to the main rail line and a transhipment vessel (TSV) port expansion in Morebaya.
Whilst the scopes are being separately developed by the SimFer and WCS entities, they are equally funded.
Once complete, the whole port and rail infrastructure ownership will be transferred to and operated by La Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), the joint venture between the Government of Guinea, SimFer Infraco and WCS Infraco.
Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is one of the world’s largest mining companies, producing iron ore for steel, aluminium for cars and smart phones, copper for wind turbines, diamonds that set the standard for responsible sourcing, titanium for household products, and borates for crops that feed the world.
The company is based in 35 countries and employs more than 50,000 people in mines, smelters and refineries, as well as in sales offices, data centres and research and development labs.
Rio Tinto owns 53% of SimFer Jersey Ltd, which in turn owns 85% of SimFer S.A, owner of Simandou Blocks 3 & 4.
Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH)
Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) is a joint venture between Chinalco and major Chinese state-owned companies, including Baowu, China Rail Construction Corporation (CRCC) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
CIOH and Rio Tinto formed a joint venture company, SimFer Jersey Ltd, to invest in the development of blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou project.
CIOH holds 47% of SimFer Jersey Ltd, which in turn holds 85% of SimFer S.A, the owner of Simandou Blocks 3 & 4.
We’re proud to be working with our partners across the world to realise the potential of the Simandou project.
Our workforce & suppliers
At SimFer, we are proud to employ over 25,000 people, with more than 82% being Guinean nationals.
We are on track to exceed a cumulative spend of US$1 billion with Guinean businesses, having already reached US$599 million. We are working to create local employment opportunities, support local communities, catalyse opportunities for local businesses and strengthen skills within the Guinean workforce.
Our Leadership
Chris Aitchison
Managing Director
Chris Aitchison has led the Simandou project since 2022 and brings more than two decades of international mining industry experience, including seven years with Rio Tinto, where he served as Project Director at the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia.
Chris oversees all aspects of the Simandou project, with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, operational performance and long-term value creation. He is also committed to ensuring the project contributes to Guinea’s economic development while promoting responsible environmental stewardship.
Chris Aitchison holds a degree from the Western Australia School of Mines.
Linchuan Zhou
Deputy Project Director, Execution & Partnership
Linchuan Zhou brings more than 12 years of experience in the mining and metals industry and also serves as Vice President of Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH).
Linchuan has been involved in Guinea-related projects since 2016, including three years at the Chinalco Boffa bauxite mine. He is responsible for strengthening shareholder coordination, supporting the delivery of the Simandou project and ensuring strategic alignment among key stakeholders. He also leads strategic initiatives, including first ore readiness.
Linchuan holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Central South University.
Francis Pérani
Chief Financial Officer
Francis Pérani brings more than 15 years of experience in the mining and metals industry with Rio Tinto, as well as six years of experience in Africa, including two years as Chief Financial Officer of Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG).
Francis oversees the financial activities of the Simandou project and supports its long-term economic performance. He has managed large-scale projects and operations, primarily in the bauxite and aluminium sectors.
Francis graduated from Sciences Po Paris and holds an MBA from HEC Montréal.
Mqokeleli Gomba
Chief Operating Officer
Mqokeleli Gomba joined the Simandou project in May 2026 and brings extensive experience in mining operations and leadership, including nearly eight years with Rio Tinto, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa.
Mqokeleli is responsible for driving operational performance, production readiness and the safe and efficient delivery of Simandou’s mining activities.
Mqokeleli studied at the Gordon Institute of Business Science and has also attended the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Cape Town.
Therese Dower
General Manager, HSE
Therese Dower joined the Simandou project in 2024 with nearly two decades of global experience in the mining and construction sectors.
Therese oversees a portfolio involving safety, occupational health, emergency response, medical and environment, focusing on fatality prevention and environmental impact mitigation.
Therese holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental management from The University of Queensland and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from the University of South Australia.
Eric Planque
General Manager, Mine Services and Logistics
Eric Planque joined the Simandou project in 2021 and brings more than 15 years of experience in operations management with Rio Tinto, where he held a range of leadership roles across the mining sector.
Eric oversees operations across the country, including activities in Conakry and at the mine site, with a strong focus on safety, operational performance and logistics efficiency. He also ensures the effective coordination of key support services critical to the successful delivery of the project.
Eric graduated from Polytechnique Montréal.
Benefer Daniel
General Manager, Mine
Benefer Daniel joined the Simandou project in May 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the mining industry. Prior to joining Simandou, he served as General Manager of Brockman 4 Mine in Western Australia with Rio Tinto.
Benefer leads Simandou’s mine operations, with a strong focus on operational readiness, safe production and mining performance.
He holds qualifications in Maintenance and Asset Management from CQUniversity, as well as diplomas in Management and Project Management from the Australian Institute of Management.
Alberto Vieira
Infrastructure Project Director
Alberto Vieira brings nearly 30 years of experience in infrastructure and mining projects across Latin America and Africa. He has held senior leadership roles with companies including Vale, Anglo American and Bahia Mineração (BAMIN).
Alberto is responsible for the safe planning and execution of Simandou’s rail spur, rolling stock and port infrastructure, supporting the successful delivery of the project’s transport network.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and has completed postgraduate studies in Finance, Railway Engineering and Project Management. He also undertook executive training at the University of Pretoria and the University of Cambridge.
Tanja Rasmussen
General Manager, Communities and Social Performance
Tanja Rasmussen brings more than 20 years of international experience in social performance, human rights and corporate responsibility, gained across a range of roles with companies including Glencore and Rio Tinto.
Tanja leads Simandou’s communities and social performance activities, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, human rights and creating sustainable value for local communities.
Tanja holds a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology and Ethnography, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in the same field, from Aarhus University.
Mike Castel
Mine Project Director
Mike Castel has been part of the Simandou Project since 2024. He brings 25 years of experience in project development across the energy and resources sectors, having held senior leadership roles with Shell and worked on major international projects across five continents.
Mike leads the delivery of the Simandou mine project, with a strong focus on safety, strategic planning, risk management and successful project execution.
He holds Master’s degrees in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University and Civil Engineering from the École Supérieure des Travaux Publics in France.
Kate Johnson
General Manager, Project Services
Kate Johnson brings nearly 30 years of experience across a range of industries and regions. A qualified civil engineer, she has held leadership roles in project management, infrastructure and construction.
Kate oversees a multidisciplinary team of project professionals and is responsible for all aspects of project services, including cost control, planning and scheduling, contracts and procurement, reporting, and document and data management.
Kate holds a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from Queensland University of Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Deakin University.
Robbie Tilley
Head of Security
Robbie Tilley brings extensive experience in enterprise resilience, regional security and crisis management. A former British Army officer, he has a strong track record in developing and implementing effective security and resilience strategies.
Robbie leads security operations across the Simandou project, with a focus on protecting people, assets and operations while supporting business continuity and crisis preparedness.
Robbie is known for his collaborative leadership approach, multilingual capabilities and ability to build strong relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Sabrina Marlier
General Manager, Human Resources
Sabrina Marlier brings more than 30 years of experience in human resources and leadership, including 28 years in the mining industry, with organisations such as Glencore, Koniambo Nickel and Société Le Nickel.
Sabrina leads operational readiness, workforce transition and talent development initiatives. She also focuses on strengthening Guinean leadership capability and fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
Sabrina holds a diploma in Commerce, Business and Communication from the South Pacific School of Management and Commerce and an Executive Master’s degree in Strategic Human Resources Management from HEC Paris.