The Key Stage Before the Grand Departure from Simandou

The export of iron ore from Simandou, one of the world's largest untapped deposits, is nearing its launch. Guinea is thus positioning itself to become a major player in the global iron market, particularly thanks to the high grade of its ore, crucial for the decarbonization of the global economy.

On Sunday, November 2, 2025 , a symbolic and concrete step was taken with the official reception of the first transport ships at the Port of Morébaya in Forécariah.

Official Ceremony and Strategic Partnerships

The ceremony was presided over by Djiba Diakité , Chairman of the Simandou Strategic Committee and Minister-Director of the Presidency's Cabinet. He was accompanied by General Amara Camara , Minister-Secretary-General of the Presidency, as well as numerous members of the government, the Strategic Committee, and representatives of industrial partners.

The arrival of these ships marks the culmination of nearly three years of intensive work since the effective relaunch of the megaproject in March 2023, and crowns several months of negotiations, compromises and strategic partnerships , including the signing of the final maritime transport agreements on October 22, 2025. This step is one of the last before the start of shipments to global markets, expected before the end of 2025 .

Logistics Details and Modern Infrastructure

1. The First Ships: Two ships have been received:
2. The Köma , named after the native village of the President of the Republic, Mamadi Doumbouya.
3. Sanfina , named after the village of origin of Mr. Djiba Diakité, Chairman of the Strategic Committee.
4. Total Capacity: 23 ships are expected, each capable of carrying 12,000 tonnes of iron ore.
5. The Port of Morébaya: The infrastructure is distinguished by its modernity and scale, including:
6. 30 lines of control.
7. 16 kilometers of belt conveyors.
8. 4 rocker arms (car dumpers).
9. 6 stack reclaimers.
10. 4 ship loaders.
11. A complex of 16 modern buildings (canteen, accommodation, offices, customs services, etc.).
12. Rail transport: 7,000 wagons, each weighing 81 tonnes, are also expected. Each train will be capable of transporting over 80,000 tonnes of ore.

The "Guinean Industrial Dream" and the Future

For the Minister of Mines, the reception of these ships is the "final milestone in the logistics chain" , sealing the concrete realization of the Guinean industrial dream .

The Trans-Guinean Railway (CTG) , whose upcoming launch will ensure the transport of iron ore, is an essential component of this project. It is projected to reach a transport capacity of 120 million tons per year over the next two years. By linking the mining blocks (Baowu/WCS and Rio Tinto/Chinalco) to the Port of Morebaya, the CTG will play a decisive role in structuring the national economy.

Commitment to Local Transformation

This ambitious project is governed by a co-development agreement that prioritizes local ore processing . With a sustainable and mutually beneficial economic approach, the objective is to strengthen the national value chain. To this end, comprehensive studies for the establishment of a steel plant must be completed within two years of the initial production run for the international market.