Project on track to meet all key milestones and achieve first ore from SimFer Mine gate by the end of the year
Conakry, Republic of Guinea – SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and the CIOH consortium led by Chinalco, provided an update on the significant progress made in advancing the Simandou project during the first half of 2025. The project is on track to achieve key milestones, enabling first ore production at SimFer mine gate by the end of the year.
Construction of key infrastructure for future operations progressing well
The infrastructure needed to support the mine’s construction activities has been completed. At the beginning of the year, the Tindjou and Siatourou camps were put into operation, providing accommodation for over 5,000 workers involved in the construction of the mine. In April, Beyla Airport reopened with a renovated and asphalted runway, allowing easier access to the SimFer mine and surrounding infrastructure.
At the SimFer rail spur, all bridge piles have been successfully completed, and significant progress is being made in laying down the rail tracks. The excavation of the 926-metre tunnel is almost complete, with a breakthrough anticipated soon. At the port, the construction teams are also recording significant progress including the successful completion of the car dumper transfer excavation.
In May, the Government of Guinea, SimFer, and Wabtec unveiled the first locomotive ordered by SimFer on behalf of La Compagnie du TransGuinéen. This locomotive is the first of 143 that will transport iron ore from the Simandou mines to the Morebaya Port in Forecariah. The two first locomotives are expected to arrive in Guinea in October, followed by four others in November.
Our partner WCS are also reporting strong progress on the infrastructure corridor.
Safety performance is close to target and remains biggest priority and key focus area
SimFer has accumulated 24 million hours of work with an injury frequency rate of 0.31 per 200,000 hours worked, slightly above our target of 0.30.
SimFer remains committed to prioritizing the health and safety of all workers, including subcontractors and community members, as the project progresses steadily. Efforts are ongoing to promote a safety-first approach across all operations by implementing proactive safety measures and community safety campaigns in areas near our concession.
Continued and dedicated commitment to building a world-class Guinean workforce
With its subcontractors, SimFer currently employs more than 21,000 people, of whom 81% are Guinean. We are continually investing in training and capacity building to ensure that Guineans are empowered to lead.
Through partnerships with local institutions and vocational programs, we are building a pipeline of talent that will sustain this project and our Guinean workforce for decades to come.
Fostering strong partnerships and maximizing benefits for the Guinean economy, local Communities, and Businesses
So far this year, SimFer has spent over $599 million with Guinean-registered companies and collaborates with over 900 suppliers offering a range of services from catering to logistics and labour supply. Our local procurement strategy prioritizes Guinean businesses, and we are seeing encouraging growth in local participation across our supply chain. In early June, we were able to celebrate our amazing suppliers at our first ever supplier awards ceremony.
In May, together with our partner WCS, we launched a Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) to mitigate the impacts of the Morebaya port project on local fishing communities. This plan, valued at more than $14 million, will create long-term, sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. We are continuing to engage regularly with community leaders, civil society, and local authorities to ensure that our initiatives and approach are inclusive, respectful, and responsive to local needs.
Chris Aitchison, SimFer Managing Director, said: “It is fantastic to see how far the project has come just 12 months after the final project agreements were signed. We are on track to deliver first production this year and then safely ramp up our project to become one of the world’s biggest producers of high-grade iron ore.
I would like to pay tribute to the SimFer team – currently numbering more than 21,000 people – for their commitment, hard work and dedication and for continuing to put safety above everything else.
I would also like to thank our communities, suppliers and partners for their steadfast support and dedication to making the Simandou project a reality. We look forward to celebrating even greater progress over the rest of the year.”
SimFer will continue to ensure that the project is developed to internationally recognized standards by working closely with local and international experts and implementing industry-leading management plans for biodiversity and environment.
First ore production at SimFer mine gate is expected by the end of 2025, with annualised production to ramp up to 60 million tonnes of iron ore over a 30-month period.
Note to editors
Click here to access our latest Scorecard on SimFer scope of the Simandou project.
