Rio Tinto SimFer Updates Progress in the Third Quarter of 2025
First shipment from the SimFer mine is scheduled for November this year.
On 12 September, SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and the CIOH consortium led by Chinalco, provided an update on the progress made on the Simandou project during the third quarter of 2025. The project is on track to achieve all key milestones, with the first shipment now accelerated to around November 2025.
Thanks to rigorous management and the commitment of SimFer’s teams, these advancements have been made over the last quarter, despite a particularly challenging rainy season. The laying of 72 kilometres of track for the rail spur connecting the mine to the main TransGuinéen junction at Kérouané is now complete, marking a key milestone in the project. In addition, civil engineering work at the port is progressing rapidly, with TSV Trestle Access ready for the installation of conveyors. The infrastructure at the mine is also continuing to take shape as planned.
Chris Aitchison, SimFer Managing Director stated: “Despite challenges, we have stayed on track and continued to move forward toward our objective: safely completing the Simandou project for the benefit of all stakeholders. The loss of our colleague in August at our mine site is a powerful reminder of why safety must remain SimFer’s absolute priority. We are committed to ensure a safe working environment that ensures all our employees get back sound and safe to their family after their work shift.”
After first shipment, scheduled for around November 2025, SimFer will ramp up to full capacity over a 30-month period. Iron ore from SimFer mine will initially be shipped through WCS port while construction of the SimFer port is finalised.
