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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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Rio Tinto advances early works on the Simandou project with contract awarded to MOTA-ENGIL

July 13, 2023

Conakry, Republic of Guinea ─ Rio Tinto’s SimFer joint venture has signed a $300m contract with the Guinean subsidiary of MOTA-ENGIL. This new agreement illustrates the acceleration of early works for SimFer on the Simandou Project.

Chosen after a rigorous competition process, MOTA-ENGIL is now leading earthworks required to support the mechanical plant and mine facilities, as well as access roads and haul roads. The company is also responsible for the construction of sedimentation basins and weirs, and implementing measures to control erosion.

In line with Rio Tinto’s commitments to sustainable development and positive social impact, the international company MOTA-ENGIL will focus throughout its mission on local content, the transfer of skills, training and the creation of jobs for Guineans. For context, in May 2023 Rio Tinto signed a framework agreement with its subcontractors and labour suppliers, defining specific requirements for local employment. This agreement was drawn up with the assistance of the General Labour Inspectorate and the National Confederation of Guinean Workers.

Rio Tinto SimFer Managing Director Chris Aitchison said: “We are delighted with the progress made so far on early works for the Simandou Project. We are committed to developing this project responsibly and sustainably, focusing on the safety of our employees and local communities, and ensuring that the people of Guinea experience the benefits of this project.”

SimFer currently employs more than 2,900 people on the Simandou project, 80% of whom are Guinean, who are engaged in the early works that will enable construction of the mine and rail infrastructure. The group expects to grow employment further by the end of the year to accelerate construction works, which have advanced significantly in recent months. Preparatory works for the 70km rail spur linking SimFer’s Beyla mine to the main railway line at Kérouané, to be operated by Compagnie du TransGuinéen, have indeed already begun. Simultaneously, SimFer teams are making steps forward on preparatory soil survey work for the port facility at Forécariah.

Rio Tinto and its partners in the SimFer joint venture are continuing to work with Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) and the Government of Guinea towards agreements and approvals to progress the co-development of the trans-Guinean rail and port infrastructure required to support the development of the Simandou iron ore deposit through the SimFer and WCS mines.

Guinea Press Contact: [email protected]