Conakry, Republic of Guinea – SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto and the Chinalco-led CIOH consortium, has launched four local community development projects and celebrated the graduation of 120 women and girls in Beyla after a year-long training programme in saponification, sewing and hairdressing.
As part of its commitment to sustainable local development, Rio Tinto SimFer is rolling out a series of initiatives in the communities impacted by the Simandou project. These aim to sustainably improve the living conditions and strengthen their socio-economic resilience. They form part of an inclusive development approach covering key sectors such as access to drinking water, youth employment and entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment and the promotion of sustainable agriculture, livestock and digital technology.
The projects launched include the establishment of a digital inclusion centre in Beyla, the development of market gardening across 40 hectares in 25 villages, the training of 360 young graduates in project development and resource mobilisation, and the construction of 40 manual boreholes.
Tanja Rasmussen, General Manager CSP at SimFer, said:
“The projects we are launching reflect our concrete commitment to support the Government of Guinea’s efforts to deliver inclusive and sustainable local development. They will contribute to improving access to basic social services and food security while generating income opportunities for communities and giving young people the means to transform their ideas into concrete projects and their aspirations into economic realities. Beyond these launches, we are also celebrating an exceptional human success: that of 120 young women and girls who have successfully completed training in sewing, hairdressing and saponification – supported by Rio Tinto SimFer.”
Rio Tinto SimFer is strongly committed to supporting the development of local communities by investing in sustainable initiatives that open opportunities for the future. We will continue to work hand in hand with local communities at every stage of the project.
