Event marks an opportunity to thank and commend companies’ contributions to the safe and responsible advancement of the Simandou Project.
Conakry, Republic of Guinea – SimFer, the joint-venture between the Guinean government, Rio Tinto and China Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), organised a supplier recognition ceremony on Wednesday 11 June 2025 to celebrate the performance of its partners involved in the Simandou project.
The event which was held in front of more than 250 invited guests from SimFer’s supplier companies, the Government and media representatives celebrated the know-how, commitment and resilience of the local and international partners who are working every day to make Simandou a reality.
Today, SimFer works with more than 900 Guinean suppliers across a wide range of sectors including construction, logistics, catering, security and labour supply. More than $465 million has been spent with companies registered in Guinea since the beginning of the year, helping to boost the local private sector.
Nearly 25 local and international suppliers were nominated for awards in 8 categories:
- The Simandou Award – Supplier Performance for Services was presented to SOUMCOPRES for excellence in delivery of construction and renovation services and for adherence to SimFer’s standards and requirements.
- The Simandou Award – Supplier Performance for materials was presented to PRIMA SERVICES for their operational excellence and time, supply of material strict compliance with SimFer’s standards and requirements.
- The Rising Star Award was presented to SOGEFEL for its notable growth following its integration into SimFer’s supply chain and its steady adaptation to the company’s standards and requirements.
- The HS&E Award – Health, Safety, and Environment was presented to HELI DRILLING SOLUTIONS for outstanding performance in health, safety, and environmental management, achieving a very low accident and incident rate.
- The Konia Award – Community Engagement was presented to ADCAP for excellence in collaboration with local communities, social responsibility, and contribution to local development.
- The Community Enterprise Award was presented to CIFADEL for the successful completion of its contract with SimFer and for building a reliable working relationship that complies with rules and standards.
- RTG – RED Award was presented to JAMILAH FOUNDATION for its dynamic contribution to the socio-economic development in Guinea.
- The Wontanara Award – Key Suppliers was presented to CR18 for excelling in various aspects of corporate governance, including honouring contractual commitments, employability, social responsibility, investment, contribution to local development, operational excellence, and safety.
Chris Aitchison, Managing Director of SimFer, said: “Without our suppliers and particularly the more than 900 Guinean-registered businesses that we work with, there would be no Simandou. Thanks to their expertise, commitment, and strong local presence, we are jointly creating a project that will be transformative in nature. This ceremony is our way of saying thank you and reaffirming our commitment to grow sustainably alongside them. On behalf of everyone at SimFer and Rio Tinto, I would like to congratulate all of the nominees and winners and wish them all the best for their continued success.”
SimFer thanks all its partners for their contribution to this industrial and human journey, and reaffirms its commitment to promoting ambitious, inclusive, and forward-looking local content with local and international partners who share its commitment to health, safety, support for local communities, and transparency in business practices.
