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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 Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation and Rio Tinto sign MoU to strengthen Guinea’s higher education and research ecosystem

October 15, 2025

Conakry, Republic of Guinea – The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation (MESRSI) and Rio Tinto Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the higher education and research ecosystem in Guinea. The ceremony took place in Conakry in the presence of Mr Alpha Bacar Barry, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, and Mr Aboubacar Koulibaly, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Guinea, as well as senior representatives from universities and technical officials.

The MoU defines a framework for collaboration to support scientific research, innovation and academic development in key sectors such as sustainable agriculture, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship. This includes capacity-building programmes, joint research initiatives, funding for academic activities and mechanisms for knowledge transfer between academia and industry. A steering committee and a project monitoring group will ensure implementation in line with national priorities.

Aboubacar Koulibaly, Head of Rio Tinto Guinée stated: “We view the Simandou project as far more than a mining operation. It is a catalyst for transformation, an engine for long-term economic and social development. And at the heart of this transformation lies skills and capabilities building: the training of the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.”

Alpha Bacar Barry, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding marks a strategic step towards strengthening the capacity of our higher education system in alignment with national priorities. Through this collaboration, we are building a bridge between scientific research, technological innovation, and sustainable development for the benefit of Guinea’s youth.”

This partnership marks an important milestone for Rio Tinto, as it reinforces the company’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Guinea. As part of the broader Simandou project, which Rio Tinto sees as a catalyst for national transformation, this agreement emphasises the critical role of training and capacity building in developing skilled human resources to support the country’s economic growth. It will empower the next generation of Guinean leaders, researchers and innovators, while promoting synergy between academia and the mining industry to support Guinea’s economic and social progress.