A significant milestone for the project, which is on track for the first production at the end of the year.
Conakry, Républic of Guinea – SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chinalco-led CIOH consortium, together with its locomotive manufacturing partner Wabtec, yesterday marked a significant milestone with the unveiling of the first Simandou locomotives. The ceremony was held at Wabtec’s manufacturing facility in Marhowra, Bihar, India.
These locomotives are the first of 78 ordered by SimFer in July 2024 on behalf of La Compagnie du TransGuinéen and will play a crucial role in transporting high-grade iron ore from the Simandou mines to the new port in Forécariah. The event brought together representatives from SimFer and Wabtec, as well as officials from the governments of Guinea and India, underscoring the global collaboration and commitment behind Simandou.
Once operational, the trains will transport high-grade iron ore from the SimFer mining concession in Beyla to the Port of Morebaya via the 670-kilometre railway operated by the Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG). Beyond ore transport, the line is expected to facilitate the movement of passengers and goods, stimulate the local economy, and unlock long-term development opportunities for Guinea and the wider West African region.
Chris Aitchison, Managing Director of SimFer, commented: “This milestone is yet another demonstration that we are on track to deliver the Simandou project as planned. Our vision is becoming a reality, and we are excited by the many opportunities the CTG will bring to Guinea by facilitating transport for goods and persons across the Tranguinean corridor.”
Djiba Diakité, Minister and Director of Cabinet at the Office of the President of the Republic, who attended the unveiling ceremony, stated: “ In just three years, the progress made in implementing the Simandou integrated mining and infrastructure megaproject is a testament to the determination, strong leadership, commitment and hard work of the Head of State, His Excellency General Mamadi DOUMBOUYA, and all those involved. To all our industrial, institutional and technical partners, I would like to express, on behalf of the Guinean State, our congratulations and sincere thanks for the major progress made on the Simandou project .”
The first two locomotives are scheduled to arrive in Guinea in October 2025, followed by 4 others in early November, ahead of testing and commissioning. Purpose-built to support Africa’s largest mining and infrastructure development project, the newly unveiled locomotives represent a major technical and logistical milestone in the delivery of the Simandou project.
