Guinea Military Government Advances $20 Billion Simandou Mining Project – Africa’s Largest Mining Development
Conakry, Guinea — Guinea’s military government is spearheading the $20 billion Simandou Mining Project, the largest mining development in Africa to date.
This massive undertaking is centered around one of the world’s richest untapped iron ore deposits, reshaping Guinea’s role on the global mining map.
Simandou Mining Project: Tapping into 2.8 Billion Tonnes of Iron Ore
The Simandou site is home to an estimated 2.8 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore, making it the largest undeveloped iron ore reserve in the world. This project is poised to position Guinea as a top global supplier of iron ore, a critical material used in steel production and industrial infrastructure.
Project Infrastructure: Railways, Bridges, Tunnels and More
Once completed, the Simandou Mining Project will feature two large-scale mines, a 670-kilometer railway, 12 train stations, over 200 bridges, and four underground tunnels. This infrastructure will enable efficient transport of iron ore from the inland mines to the Guinean coast for export.
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Guinea’s Push for Local Beneficiation and Equal Revenue Sharing
In a landmark decision in 2024, President Mamady Doumbouya ordered all foreign mining companies to refine raw materials within Guinea and implement equal revenue-sharing agreements with the state. This policy aims to ensure that Guinea benefits fairly from its vast mineral wealth while promoting local value addition and industrial development.
A Bauxite Powerhouse: Guinea’s Global Influence in Aluminium Production
Aside from iron ore, Guinea holds the world’s largest bauxite reserves — approximately 7.4 billion tonnes. Bauxite is the primary source of aluminium, a metal essential in the automotive, construction, and food packaging industries. Guinea is currently the second-largest producer of bauxite globally, underlining its strategic importance in the global raw materials market.
Economic Transformation on the Horizon
The Simandou project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, enhance infrastructure, and create new industries across Guinea. It reflects the government’s drive to leverage natural resources for long-term national development while asserting greater control over foreign-led mining operations.