The Simandou mine, located in the Simandou mountain range in southeastern Guinea, is one of the world's largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposits. The project is divided into four blocks, with Blocks 1 and 2 controlled by a consortium led by the Singapore-based Winning International Group and the Chinese-backed SMB-Winning consortium, while Blocks 3 and 4 are held by a joint venture between Rio Tinto, Chinalco, and the Guinean government. Construction of a railway, deep-water port, and other supporting infrastructure is also planned.

Despite its potential to revolutionise the global iron ore market and significantly boost Guinea's economy, the project has faced numerous challenges, including legal disputes, political instability, and concerns about environmental impact and the displacement of the local community. In recent years, a series of worker deaths and instances of degradation of land used by communities and farmers nearby have been recorded.

Location: Nzérékoré Region, Guinea

Companies: Winning Consortium Simandou S.A. (Consortium of Rio Tinto, Chinalco, and Guinean government, controls Blocks 1 and 2), Simfer S.A. (Consortium of Winning International Group, China Hongqiao Group, and United Mining Supply, controls Blocks 3 and 4), Compagnie du Trans-Guinéen (Consortium of Winning Consortium Simandou S.A., Simfer S.A., and Guinean government).

Investors and financiers: The total costs of the project are reported as $24 billion USD. Simfer S.A. has committed $11.6 billion, of which Rio Tinto’s share is $6.2 billion.

The financial contribution of Winning Consortium Simandou’s to the project is unknown. However, Compagnie du Trans-Guinéen signed financing agreements worth $ 15 billion for port and rail infrastructure related to the project (part of this total may overlap with Simfer S.A.’s commitment).

Concerns:

1. Worker safety: more than 13 workers have died, with many of these deaths not reported. Families have been made to sign liability waivers beforehand. The most recent worker death occurred in August 2025.
2. Eviction and lack of compensation: Eviction of hundreds of people during the project, without proper compensation in many cases, has been reported. Community members report difficulties in negotiating proper compensation.
3. Impacts on local livelihoods: Communities near the port have reported severe impacts on their livelihoods. Communities near the mines have reported much more difficulty in hunting as well as decreased agricultural yields.
4. Deforestation: The Nzérékoré region, the site of the project, is already experiencing the highest rate of deforestation in the country. The railway route cuts through the primary rainforest, which houses several endangered animals.

Lawsuit :

In 2024, communities from the region appealed to the highest court in Guinea to stop the renewal of Winning Consortium Simandou’s environmental permits, citing inadequate environmental review and oversight, and a lack of required transparency.