Simandou

Deposits of high grade iron ore were discovered at Simandou in Guinea, west Africa in the 1960s.

Rio Tinto was granted access for exploration in 1997. 

In 2007 Rio Tinto approved funding of US$145 million for pre-feasibility studies focused on development of an iron ore mine at Simandou, a 700 kilometre rail system and a deep water port south of Conakry, targeting completion of studies for 2010.

The project features a number of economic, social and environmental partnerships, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, and collaboration with the Government of Guinea and local and international non government organisations (NGOs).  Rio Tinto has a 95 per cent interest in the project and the IFC five per cent. The IFC makes investments in projects that contribute to sustainable development, are economically viable and comply with its social and environmental standards.

A decision on mine development is expected in 2010 when studies will have determined optimum levels of output, design parameters and construction costs. Production is anticipated to begin in 2013 with potential for future expansions.

For further information about Rio Tinto Iron Ore's Simandou project, please visit the Simandou website.