Chris Aitchison, General Manager of SimFer, stated at a press conference on September 12 that, once completed, the project will have the capacity to transport up to 120 million tonnes of iron ore annually. He emphasized that “our partners WCS and Baowu are responsible for the first 60 million tonnes, while the second phase will be managed by SimFer. Once completed, the facility will be handed over to Compagnie du Terminal de Guinée (CTG).”
Local presence in focus
Aitchison emphasized the significant role played by Guinean personnel in the project’s construction. “More than 80 percent of our workforce is Guinean, including many in management and decision-making roles. As operations expand, we expect this ratio to increase even further,” he stated.
Dialogue with communities continues
Aitchison also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong communication with the communities along the route. “As work progresses, risks increase, but our relationships continue to improve. We maintain an open dialogue, and the fact that we are willing to make corrections shows our ability to listen,” he emphasized.
A turning point for Guinea’s economy
Long considered one of the world’s richest untapped iron ore deposits, Simandou had faced years of delays. SimFer’s recent announcement marks a shift from long-term construction to active production. According to analysts, this step could transform China’s economy and strengthen the country’s role in the global iron ore supply chain.
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