Guinea's "Dream of a Generation": The World's Largest Iron Ore Mine, Funded Mainly by China, Starts Production and Exports
Guinea officially launched the long-awaited Simandou iron ore project on Tuesday. This mine is one of the largest undeveloped mineral deposits in the world, marking an important step for this West African country in terms of economic and infrastructure development.
The launch ceremony was hailed as a "historic turning point" and took place at the Morebaya port, south of the capital Conakry. Guinea President Mamady Doumbouya, Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema, and Rwanda President Paul Kagame attended the ceremony.
The first high-grade iron ore from the Nzérékoré region in southeastern Guinea has started its journey for export, as the country strives to position itself as a key player in the global mineral market.
"The Dream of a Generation"
Transport Minister Ousmane Gavara Diallo described the project as "the dream of generations of Guineans," emphasizing that it is not just an mining project. "It's about changing Guinea's fate through new infrastructure - a 650-kilometer railway and a deep-water port, which will reshape the country's logistics and economic landscape," he said.
The Simandou deposit was discovered decades ago, containing some of the richest iron ore in the world. However, the development of the deposit has been hindered for years due to disputes over mining rights, allegations of corruption, and the need for significant investment in areas with poor infrastructure.
Strategic Partnership
The mine is being developed jointly by the Singapore-China consortium Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) and Simfer, a subsidiary of the Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto, as well as China's state-owned enterprise Chinalco.
Aerial images show that a new 650-kilometer railway corridor connecting the mine to the Morebaya port is under construction, expected to transport millions of tons of ore annually. Officials stated that the project will also create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Economic and Political Significance
Analysts consider the project a political victory for President Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in 2021, as he prepares to run in the presidential election on December 28. The Supreme Court recently confirmed his name on the preliminary list of nine candidates.
The government hopes the Simandou project will increase national revenue, attract foreign investment, and help remote areas that have long been isolated from economic activity to integrate into society.
For Doumbouya, this launch symbolizes a commitment to modernization and sends a message of stability to investors before the election - aiming to turn a long-stalled resource dream into a cornerstone of Guinea's future.
Source: africa.dailynewsegypt
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848635113964551/
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