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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 announces vocational training pilot program for 300 women and girls across Guinea

October 30, 2023

Conakry, Republic of Guinea ─ Rio Tinto launched this week a vocational training program to upskill 300 women and girls across Guinea.

These young women and girls, aged between 14 and 34, living in rural areas of Beyla, Nzérékoré, Faranah, Kissidougou and Forécariah, will benefit from a comprehensive six-month training course provided by the Fondation Jamila, a leading player in this field in Guinea. This pilot project will lay the foundations for wider deployment in other regions, particularly along the Transguinean Development Corridor, which stretches from the Simandou project site near Beyla to Forécariah.

The training provided will enable participants to acquire new skills not only relevant to the mining sector, but also to the many other industries that will emerge as a result of the Simandou project. The initiative focuses on practical skills in areas such as agriculture (food production, packaging and transport), garment manufacturing (sewing of uniforms and personal protective equipment), ecological management and recycling, soap making, as well as logistics and quality control.

Through this project, Rio Tinto seeks to maximize job opportunities for women in regions where access to education is currently hampered. At the same time, the initiative will provide business coaching, financial education, networking opportunities and access to markets and financing to support young women entrepreneurs.

The training courses will be run by the Jamila Foundation, following evidence-based best practices and drawing on the Personal Initiative approach to entrepreneurship and boosting confidence. The program will also establish partnerships with local businesses to design training courses that meet their specific needs, helping to close the skills gap while strengthening local vocational and technical training.

Dienaba Keita-Hann, Founder of Fondation Jamila, said: “We are excited to be working with Rio Tinto to support the economic development of the transguinean corridor by training young women living in the surrounding villages. Fondation Jamila is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity and ensure that young women have life changing opportunities. By providing beneficiaries with the skills, knowledge and confidence to create a better future for themselves and their communities, we strive to empower young women with tangible skills that will not only enhance their employability, but also instil a sense of self-worth and a spirit of entrepreneurship.”

Samuel Gahigi, Managing Director of Rio Tinto in Guinea, concludes: “The regional economic development corridor is the backbone of the Simandou project and is key to unlocking its full potential. Training and upskilling programmes are just one of the ways Rio Tinto is supporting these communities. As the project progresses rapidly, our commitment to Guinea’s future remains unwavering. We are committed to ensuring that Guineans across the country benefit from this ambitious and transformative project.”