Preparing an iron ore mine, deep in the interior of Guinea

Simandou is a Rio Tinto iron ore mining project located in the Guinée Forrestière and Haute Guinée regions that is in its final stages of exploration and feasibility studies. Construction of a world class mine and a several hundred km long railroad to a deep water port is expected to commence in 2010 and production in 2013. Rio Tinto is partenered with the International Finance Corporation whom hold a 5% stake in the project. To date we have already spent $300million on the project (July 31st 2008).

 As one of the world’s biggest mining companies Rio Tinto brings technical expertise and steadfast commitment to Sustainable Development that is born from the experience of over than 65,000 employees operating in over 65 countries. 

Significant contribution to Guinea

Our priority focus is environmental, community and sustainable development objectives - in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, and in collaboration with the Government of Guinea and local and international NGOs.

The project is already creating jobs, improving infrastructure, increasing economic development and bringing international expertise to Guinea. It will also enhance environmental conservation and social development, and generate money for local economic development in one of the poorest parts of Guinea.