In Guinea’s age-old and dynamic landscape, the Simandou project is more than a world-class mining and infrastructure initiative: it is a living testament to international cooperation, cultural integration, and shared human progress.
From the highlands of Simandou to the coastal regions, SimFer’s presence brings together people from over 40 nationalities, speaking over 20 languages and dialects, many of which rooted in Guinea’s rural communities. This convergence of international expertise and local wisdom gives rise to something extraordinary: a space where different cultures do more than merely coexist, they enrich one another and learn from and enriching each other.
As the largest integrated mining and infrastructure developments in Africa, the Simandou project is a meeting point for engineers, technicians, labourers, and professionals from across the globe. In this complex and multicultural environment, teams are not just building infrastructure, they are fostering understanding, respect, and lasting relationships.
A Global Effort on Guinean Soil
The diversity found across SimFer sites is no coincidence, it is intentional. Every contractor, every partner, and every employee contributes to the project’s success by bringing their cultural heritage, perspective, and approach to problem-solving.
CR18, the contractor responsible for building SimFer’s rail spur, is one such example. Their experience on the ground demonstrates how infrastructure development and cultural integration go hand in hand.
From Diversity to Harmony: CR18’s experience of cultural integration
Since the beginning of work in the Simandou region, CR18 has embraced Guinea’s local traditions while also introducing elements of its own. On their site, the cafeteria serving counter is divided into Chinese, Guinean, and international food sections; a simple but powerful gesture that acknowledges and respects differing dietary customs. “We cater to the habits of people from different countries,” says Zhang Longxing, CR18’s Construction Manager in Guinea. “Respect is the foundation of our work.”
But the integration doesn’t stop at mealtimes. CR18 has invested in community initiatives, using its own equipment to drill wells in nearby villages, maintain roads, and provide donations of food, fuel, and supplies during important celebration such as Eid al-Adha. These efforts have transformed initial uncertainty into meaningful relationships. “When the project began, some villagers were unsure about our impact on their lives,” Zhang recalls. “Now, they participate in our celebrations.”
This cultural shift has not gone unnoticed. In June 2025, CR18 was honored with the Wontanara Award at SimFer’s supplier recognition ceremony, in acknowledgment of its excellence in corporate governance, social responsibility, and local development. The word “Wontanara,” meaning “we are together” in the Sousou language, captures the very spirit of what SimFer wishes to promote.
Intercultural collaboration in action
Teamwork, made up of people from different nationalities is also essential to project safety and operational excellence. Muazzam Hanif, a Pakistani national serving as the HSE Manager for the rail spur, has worked with Chinese companies for over 14 years. “It’s not only about complying with standars, but about learning to work across cultural lines,” he says. “CR18 has created a professional and inclusive environment where safety and mutual respect go hand in hand.”
Words That Unite: Local voices in a international project
Pierre Mato Pe Delamou, a Guinean HR Assistant with CR18, believes the project has opened new cultural horizons. Within the multicultural base camp, he discovered shared values expressed in both local and foreign languages alike. “We use words like Amafènè and Wontanara, which mean solidarity and unity,” he explains. “They give everyone a sense of belonging.”
Pierre is now studying Mandarin and actively take part in both Guinean and Chinese cultural events. He is particularly inspired by CR18’s initiative of sending Guinean employees to China for technical training, which he describes as “the best example of international cooperation .”
One Project, Many Voices
CR18’s story is just one among many. Across the Simandou corridor, every subcontractor and every team experiences this cultural blend in their own way. Whether through shared meals, language exchange, or community involvement, a new culture is being forged ;one that is not tied to a single country, but shaped by all those who contribute to the project.
At SimFer, we believe that the Simandou project is not only about developing a world-class mine and railway, but also about building trust, opportunity, and inspire respect. Every rail laid and every milestone reached is also a step toward deeper mutual understanding.
In the words of one team member: “While we are developing in Guinea, we are also building Guinea.”
And as the tracks extend across the landscape, a true network of human relationship is being woven; connecting cultures, communities, and countries in a journey of shared progress.