Rio Tinto is on track to deliver the first production from its Simandou high-grade iron ore project in Guinea next year.
Simandou is the world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit.
Rio Tinto is developing the project in partnership with CIOH, a Chinalco-led consortium, Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), Baowu, and the government of Guinea.
Simfer S.A. is the mining concession covering Simandou Blocks 3 and 4 and is owned by the Guinean State (15%) and Simfer Jersey (85%).
Rio Tinto controls a 53% stake in Simfer Jersey, while the remaining 47% ownership belongs to CIOH.
Despite the quarter's wet weather having an impact on productivity, it stated that the mine's progress is proceeding according to plan.
Mine process plant installation early works and non-process infrastructure contracts were awarded during the period, and the first blasting activities on the company’s mining concession also took place.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief, Rough&Polished
