The Simandou iron ore and infrastructure project in Guinea, one of the world’s largest of its kind, began operations on Tuesday.
The launch marks the culmination of several years of negotiations between Guinea and its financial partners, including some of the world’s largest mining companies.
The project, with a total cost of approximately 20 billion U.S. dollars, brings together industry giants, including Rio Tinto, Chinalco, and China Baowu Steel Group, and involves mining, railways and ports.
An opening ceremony was attended by heads of state and high-level officials from several countries, as well as representatives of partner corporations.
Guinean Minister of Mines and Geology Bouna Sylla said that the large-scale project will have major economic and social benefits for both Guinea and its partners.
The railway stretches over 600 kilometers and will support both passenger and freight transportation.
XINHUA