Guinea’s $23 billion Simandou iron-ore project is moving ahead in late 2025, positioning the country to become Africa’s second-largest mineral exporter by value.
The Simandou deposit is one of the world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves, estimated at 3 billion tonnes or more, with ore grades exceeding 65 percent.
Chinese and international partners now control much of the project. Chinese state-owned firms hold roughly 75 percent stake, while Rio Tinto retains 25 percent. Critical infrastructure is under construction—including a 600 km railway linking the mine to a newly built Atlantic port.
Rio Tinto has already started stockpiling ore ahead of its first shipment expected in mid-November 2025. At full capacity, the mine could contribute up to 120 million tonnes annually, boosting Guinea’s GDP by as much as 25–26 percent by 2030.
But the project also faces major challenges. Safety records are under scrutiny—more than a dozen workers died during infrastructure construction between 2023 and 2024, sparking an inquiry.
Environmental concerns loom over mining in a biodiverse region. Governance, revenue transparency, and avoiding a resource-curse are also critical risks.
If managed well, Simandou could transform Guinea’s economic trajectory, creating jobs, upgrading transport links, and diversifying exports beyond its historical reliance on bauxite and gold.