Simandou

Rio Tinto signed a Mining Convention with the Government of Guinea in 2003 to develop a Mining Concession at Simandou.  To date Rio Tinto has invested over $US600 million on the exploration and study work necessary to develop a world class mining operation at Simandou.  A Feasibility Report was submitted to the Government of Guinea in December 2008, containing the results of extensive technical, environmental and social studies related to the project.

To fulfil our commitment to sustainable development, Rio Tinto has initiated several economic, social and environmental partnerships from the outset of our presence in Guinea.  These include a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, which owns a 5 per cent stake of the Simandou project.  The IFC makes investments in projects that contribute to sustainable development, that are economically viable and comply with its social and environmental standards. 

Rio Tinto also collaborates closely with the Government of Guinea as well as with local and international non government organisations (NGOs), such as Conservation International and the Royal Botanical Gardens who have assisted Rio Tinto in completing extensive biodiversity studies.

For further information about our Simandou project, please visit the Simandou website.