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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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SimFer rail spur tunnel open

June 23, 2025

Breakthrough of the 900-metre tunnel creates direct access between SimFer mine and Morebaya port via the TransGuinean railway.

Beyla, Republic of Guinea – SimFer, the joint-venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and the CIOH consortium led by Chinalco, has announced the completion of excavation works on the tunnel located on the rail spur linking Simandou Blocks 3 & 4 in Beyla to the main TransGuinéen line in Kérouané. The breakthrough ceremony took place over the weekend in the presence of members of the CR18 tunnel workforce, local authorities and the Chairman of La Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG).

The completion of this key infrastructure marks a significant milestone in the development of the railway network that will unlock Guinea’s vast mining potential while creating lasting economic opportunities for the country. The TransGuinéen railway will help improve mobility, trade, and access to services for communities along the corridor.

Mr Mamoudou Nagnalen Barry, Chairman of the Board of Directors of La Compagnie du TransGuinéen, said: “The breakthrough of this nearly one-kilometre tunnel opens a vital connection between the communities of Beyla and those living along the corridor leading directly to the port of Morebaya in Forécariah. It represents not only a major milestone in the development of the TransGuinéen railway but also symbolises a new era of opportunity and growth for Guinea and its people, in line with the government’s vision. It was also a pleasure for me to visit the SimFer mine and see the progress on the rail spur that will link Simandou blocks 3 and 4 to the TransGuinéen.”

Chris Aitchison, Managing Director of SimFer, said: “Because of this breakthrough, the path to the port and onwards to the global market is clear. The completion of this tunnel is not only a reflection of the progress made over recent months but also a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability, and inclusive growth. CTG will be a proudly Guinean company, and we are honoured to be preparing key parts of its infrastructure ready for first production from Simandou.”

Mr Chen Ertao, Managing Director of CR18, who are responsible for key railway infrastructure construction for SimFer, said: “We are proud of the more than 25 million hours worked on SimFer’s rail infrastructure which included more than 10 million work hours without Lost Day Injury. This is testament to our strong commitment to delivering project infrastructure in line with the highest health and safety standards. We are proud to celebrate the steady progress made by our teams and commend their dedication and commitment to delivering a world-class project.”

In recent months, significant progress has been made on the rail spur infrastructure. Construction of the 5 bridges and key drainage structures along the route have been fully completed, with notable advancements in tracklaying.