SimFer Rio Tinto

Overview

SimFer Rio Tinto stands at the forefront of one of Africa's most ambitious and transformative industrial ventures — the Simandou Project. As a cornerstone of Guinea's journey toward sustainable economic development, SimFer is delivering a world-class mining and infrastructure initiative that promises to redefine the nation's mining sector while strengthening Guinea's position in the global iron ore market.

Vision and Values

SimFer's vision centers on delivering the Simandou project in partnership with key stakeholders in a manner that is timely, efficient, and safe, while maintaining adherence to internationally recognized standards. This uniquely complex nation-building project exemplifies responsible resource development at scale.

Central to SimFer's organizational identity is Wontanara — a Soussou word meaning "We are together." This philosophy represents more than a corporate value system; it embodies the spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility that defines how SimFer operates. Built upon the foundational principles of care, courage, and curiosity, Wontanara shapes the company's approach at every level — guiding how individuals work, how teams collaborate, how communities engage, and how SimFer contributes to Guinea's future prosperity.

The Simandou Project: Africa's Largest Mining Development

Located in southeastern Guinea, the Simandou mountain range contains some of the world's highest-grade iron ore deposits. Once operational, the Simandou Project will rank as Africa's largest integrated mining and infrastructure development, combining sophisticated mining operations with an extensive rail and port network serving two independent mining ventures.

The project comprises three key components: SimFer S.A.'s mining operations covering Blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou Range; the Winning Consortium Simandou's operations on Blocks 1 and 2; and critically, the co-developed infrastructure connecting these mines to global markets.

SimFer S.A. operates as a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea and SimFer Jersey Limited — itself a partnership between Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), a consortium of leading Chinese state-owned enterprises including Baowu, Chinalco, China Rail Construction Corporation, and China Harbour Engineering Company.

Infrastructure Excellence

The infrastructure backbone of the Simandou Project represents engineering achievement on a continental scale. The development includes a 600-kilometer TransGuinéen multi-use railway and a modern port facility at Morebaya, south of Conakry, providing Guinea with a vital export gateway to international markets.

Under the co-development agreement, WCS entities are constructing the 600-kilometer main rail line to a tie-in point in the Kérouané region, a 16-kilometer rail spur connecting Blocks 1 and 2, and a barge wharf at Morebaya. In parallel, SimFer Infraco Guinée S.A. is building a 78-kilometer rail spur linking Blocks 3 and 4 to the main line, plus a transhipment vessel port expansion. Though separately developed, these components are equally funded by both parties.

Upon completion, ownership of the entire rail and port infrastructure will transfer to La Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), a joint venture between the Government of Guinea, SimFer Infraco, and WCS Infraco, ensuring long-term national benefit.

Rio Tinto's Global Leadership

Rio Tinto, one of the world's premier mining companies, brings decades of technical expertise and operational excellence to the Simandou Project. Operating in 35 countries with more than 50,000 employees, Rio Tinto produces essential materials that power modern life — from iron ore for steel and copper for renewable energy to diamonds, titanium, and borates for agriculture. Rio Tinto holds 53% of SimFer Jersey Ltd, which owns 85% of SimFer S.A., positioning the company as the lead partner in developing Blocks 3 and 4.

Local Impact and Economic Transformation

SimFer's commitment to Guinea extends far beyond resource extraction. The company employs over 25,000 people, with more than 82% being Guinean nationals — a testament to its dedication to local capacity building and employment generation.

The economic impact is equally significant. SimFer is on track to exceed US$1 billion in cumulative spending with Guinean businesses, having already reached US$599 million. Through strategic procurement, skills development programs, and community engagement initiatives, SimFer is creating sustainable employment opportunities, supporting local enterprises, and strengthening the capabilities of Guinea's workforce.

A Partnership for Sustainable Progress

SimFer Rio Tinto represents more than a mining operation — it is a partnership model for responsible resource development in Africa. Anchored in the collaborative spirit of Wontanara, the company is working alongside the Government of Guinea, international partners, and local communities to unlock the transformative potential of the Simandou Project. Through this partnership approach, SimFer is helping to build a foundation for Guinea's long-term economic growth, technological advancement, and shared prosperity — ensuring that the benefits of natural resource development are realized by the nation and its people for generations to come.