Guinea lifts mining with firm contract and Simandou export surge

Guinea’s state‑owned Nimba Mining Company signed its first mining convention, a step the government says strengthens national control over mineral resources. The agreement, signed by senior officials including Djiba Diakité and Minister of Mines Bouna Sylla, follows the creation of Nimba Mining Company on 4 August 2025 and paves the way for the export of its initial bauxite cargoes from 5 November 2025. The contract is part of the Simandou 2040 programme, which aims to develop the full value chain from bauxite to aluminium within the country.

In parallel, the SimFer joint venture – comprising the Guinean government, Rio Tinto and the Chinalco‑led CIOH consortium – reported that 2.2 million tonnes of iron ore were exported in the first half of 2026, including 1.6 million tonnes shipped to China in the second quarter. Infrastructure work is about 75 % complete, with the railway fully operational and port facilities at 85 % readiness for a projected full opening in early 2027. The progress underscores the Simandou project’s role as a major driver of Guinea’s economic transformation.