In focusing on the safe operational ramp-up of its Guinea-based Simandou iron-ore project, the SimFer joint venture (JV) is progressing with infrastructure delivery and sustained engagement across communities, partners and national institutions.

As a result, the SimFer mine is about 74% complete as of the end of March 2026, with bulk earthworks and permanent process facilities progressing in line with plans, while ore continues to be crushed and stockpiled.

SimFer is a JV between the Republic of Guinea government, Rio Tinto and the CIOH consortium led by Chinalco.

Several key milestones have recently been achieved, including the shipment of 600 000 t of iron-ore in the first quarter of 2026, with first sales realised in China in April.

Ore is being railed from the SimFer mine to the main rail line through the SimFer rail spur and shipped through the Winning Consortium Simandou port to international customers, reflecting the project’s growing operational maturity. The 70 km SimFer rail spur is fully operational, with full rail commissioning achieved in the first quarter of 2026.

The SimFer rail spur is a key piece of infrastructure linking the SimFer mine to the Trans-Guinean main rail line, securing the ongoing ramp-up of ore transportation to international markets. Its completion milestone reflects the successful delivery of a critical component of the project’s integrated logistics chain, achieved with a strong safety performance across construction. Trains started operating over the spur in November 2025.

The SimFer port also continues to progress ahead of plan, reaching 78% completion at the end of March 2026, with commissioning expected in the first quarter of 2027. Three shiploaders have also arrived at the Morebaya port.

Speaking on the continued progress of the project, SimFer MD Chris Aitchison says the performance recorded in the first quarter of 2026 represents an important phase for the Simandou project as Simfer continues to build momentum across operations.

“We are moving from milestone moments to consistent operational execution across the mine, rail and port,” he says.

These achievements place SimFer on the path to progressing steadily toward the planned yearly production capacity of 60-million tonnes by the second half of 2028.