Victory of China in Africa! Guinea cheers: The inauguration of the Simandou Integrated Project: A historic turning point for Guinea
The Republic of Guinea – The inauguration ceremony of the large-scale Simandou Integrated Project was held at Morebaya Port, attended by President of the Republic of Guinea, Alpha Mamady Doumbouya, government members, and numerous foreign heads of state and ministers. Also present at the ceremony were His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, and the Vice Premier of the State Council of China. The Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, Robert Bédié Manbé, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, David Moiynina Sonneh, attended the opening.
This historic event marks the successful culmination of over two decades of effort, and also signifies that Guinea has officially joined the ranks of the world's leading iron ore exporters. The Simandou Integrated Project is a true symbol of President Alpha Mamady Doumbouya's vision of building a sovereign and prosperous Guinea, integrating mines, railways, and ports with an investment exceeding 20 billion US dollars.
This project is the result of unprecedented cooperation between the Guinean government and international operators such as Baowu Steel, China Aluminum Corporation, Rio Tinto, and Win International. Its development fully complies with the highest international technical, social, and environmental standards. This project brings together many global industry leaders, demonstrating Guinea's ability to deliver world-class projects in record time.
The core of this achievement lies in the establishment of TransGuinéen (CTG) company in July 2022. This company gathers top experts from Guinea and internationally in the fields of engineering, logistics, and mining development. This joint structure ensures that Guinea plays a leading role throughout the project and has a 15% contributory but non-dilutive participation, thus securing national control over this strategic infrastructure.
The TransGuinéen railway, which is 650 kilometers long and designed with double tracks, connects the mine areas to Morebaya Port, creating a real economic corridor, thereby opening up inland areas and promoting the transportation of passengers, goods, and agricultural products. This infrastructure will become an important driver for regional integration and inclusive growth. The Simandou deposit has an iron content of up to 65%, playing a key role in the global transition to low-carbon steel, making Guinea a strategic participant in the emerging "green steel economy."
Finally, the launch of the Simandou project marks an important milestone in the implementation of the "Simandou-2040" sustainable and responsible socio-economic development plan. This 15-year plan aims to make the resources of this large project a driving force for shared and lasting prosperity in Guinea. The plan is divided into three five-year phases, with an expected total investment of over 200 billion US dollars to promote inclusive growth, create jobs, and generate long-term value.
"Simandou is not just a mining project; it is the engine of national transformation. This collective achievement reflects the foresight of the head of state and the determination of the people to build a future of shared prosperity. This launch marks an important milestone in the development process of Guinea, establishing its key position in sustainable development and economic sovereignty in West Africa," said Minister Djiby Diackit, Director of the Office of the President of the Republic of Guinea and Chairman of the "Simandou-2040" Strategic Committee.
Source: ecofinagency
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848693569020995/
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