Developments in Guinea’s Mount Simandou Iron Ore Project

Baowu Steel has bolstered its team for the Mount Simandou project, with key appointments like Bouna Sylla aiming to stabilize the situation in government. Concurrently, various firms are contending for contracts related to the Trans-Guinean railway, while Rio Tinto awaits partner support for project progression.

The Mount Simandou iron ore megaproject has seen significant developments as Baowu Steel enhances its operations with a team of approximately 150 personnel, primarily from China. Bouna Sylla, appointed recently, is emerging as a pivotal figure in this project, tasked with bringing stability to a ministry currently facing a crisis. 

Furthermore, both a Chinese firm and a US company have expressed their interest in a major contract related to signaling and locomotive supply for the forthcoming Trans-Guinean railway. The French company, Alstom, is also quietly monitoring developments in this area.

Additionally, the UK-Australian conglomerate, Rio Tinto, is engaged in selecting subcontractors and negotiating iron sale prices with its Chinese counterparts while anticipating financial backing from its partner, Chinalco, expected by March. The company has also initiated discussions with the Guinean junta regarding project progress.

In summary, the Mount Simandou project continues to evolve with key players such as Baowu Steel and Rio Tinto actively involved. Bouna Sylla’s leadership is expected to be instrumental in navigating the ministry’s challenges. With ongoing interest from international firms, the project is poised for crucial developments in the near future.

Original Source: www.africaintelligence.com