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The Simandou project is imminently due to become the world’s largest greenfield mining project and the largest ever undertaken on the African continent. This once-in-a-generation megaproject will not only place Guinea on the world stage as a top global producer of high-quality, low impurity iron ore, it will also set a new benchmark for large scale project development throughout the region.
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Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock sign strategic and Rio Tinto MoU to boost sustainable agriculture and rural development

July 22, 2025

Conakry, Republic of Guinea –The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAGEL) and Rio Tinto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last week, formalizing a strategic partnership to boost sustainable agricultural and pastoral development along the Simandou corridor. The signing ceremony, held in Conakry, brought together senior representatives from both parties, notably Gérard Rheinberger Managing Director of Simandou, Aboubacar Koulibaly Head of Rio Tinto Guinea, Safiatou Diallo General Manager of Regional Economic Development and Felix Lamah Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.

This MoU establishes a collaborative framework aimed at supporting the transformation of Guinea’s agropastoral sector by leveraging joint expertise, resources, and networks. The agreement also outlines specific objectives such as the initiation and implementation of sustainable agricultural and agro-industrial projects, capacity-building for farmers and value chain actors, integration of local producers into national and regional markets, and the promotion of public-private partnerships in agribusiness. To this end, Rio Tinto will provide technical assistance, mobilise financial partners and develop projects with MAGEL to strengthen agricultural value chains and improve productivity in the region. A joint steering committee and a technical monitoring team will be set up to oversee the execution of the projects, monitor their impact and ensure transparency throughout the implementation process.

Gerard Rheinberger, Managing Director of Simandou stated: “Simandou is a catalyst and transformative project with the potential to accelerate Guinea’s economic development. The TransGuinéen infrastructure presents a tremendous opportunity to stimulate key sectors of the economy, notably agriculture, and we will continue to work closely with and support the Guinean Government to promote inclusive and sustainable growth for the benefit of the communities along the corridor and the people of Guinea as a whole.”

Félix Lamah, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, said: “Guinea, blessed with remarkable agropastoral potential, cannot achieve sustainable growth without smartly leveraging its natural resources. Under the leadership of the President of the Republic, General Mamadi Doumbouya, we are committed to developing this potential and working with the private sector to coordinate our efforts in supporting and advancing the country’s agropastoral communities.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusive and climate-resilient development across Guinea’s rural regions. By aligning national agricultural priorities with private sector resources and innovation, the MoU aims to unlock sustainable economic opportunities for local farming communities. It also advances broader goals such as food security, job creation, and responsible land use; all of which are central to Rio Tinto’s long-term commitment to supporting Guinea’s development.