Guinea's Simandou mountain range holds 8.6 billion tonnes of iron ore averaging 65 percent iron content, compared to the 58 to 62 percent benchmark of Australian ore. At projected production rates of 100 to 120 million tonnes annually, it will supply roughly 10 percent of global seaborne iron ore trade. A consortium led by Rio Tinto and Winning Consortium Simandou broke ground in 2023 on a $20 billion development including a 650-kilometre greenfield railway and two new port facilities, making it the largest mining project in African history.
First Ore and Market Impact
First ore shipments are targeted for late 2025 or 2026. Full production will give China's steel industry an alternative to Australian supply, providing greater negotiating leverage in the iron ore market. The 650-kilometre railway is designed to carry general cargo in addition to ore, potentially opening Guinea's interior to broader agricultural and commercial trade. Businesses active in West African mining and logistics can access sector data on intra-africa.com.
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