Guinea Launches $20 Billion Simandou Mining Project — Africa’s Largest Mining Development

Conakry, Guinea – The military-led government of Guinea is making headlines with the construction of the Simandou Mining Project, a $20 billion megaproject that is set to become the largest mining operation in Africa.

At the heart of the project is the Simandou iron ore deposit, the world’s largest untapped iron ore reserve, boasting an estimated 2.8 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore. Once operational, the project is expected to transform Guinea into a global iron ore powerhouse.

What the Simandou Mining Project Includes:

• Two large-scale iron ore mines

• A 670-kilometer railway line to connect the mines to the port

• 12 train stations to support logistics

• Over 200 bridges and 4 underground tunnels for seamless transportation

This strategic investment aims to boost Guinea’s infrastructure, accelerate industrialization, and attract long-term foreign investment.

Government Policy: Local Refining and Revenue Sharing

In 2024, Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya issued a landmark directive requiring all foreign mining companies to refine resources locally and share revenue equitably with the Guinean state. This move aims to ensure resource sovereignty, local job creation, and greater national benefit from natural resource exploitation.

Guinea’s Dominance in the Bauxite Market

In addition to its iron ore wealth, Guinea holds the world’s largest reserves of bauxite—the primary ore used in producing aluminium, a key material in the automotive and food packaging industries. With over 7.4 billion tonnes of bauxite, Guinea is currently the world’s second-largest producer, making it a vital player in the global commodities market.

Why the Simandou Project Matters:

• Economic diversification and industrial growth

• Massive infrastructure development

• Job creation and technology transfer

• Increased global influence in the mining sector

This $20 billion initiative represents a bold step in redefining Guinea’s role in the global resource economy while reinforcing Africa’s emergence as a major supplier of strategic minerals.