The Mount Simandou iron ore project in Guinea has seen increased involvement from Baowu Steel, with Bouna Sylla appointed to stabilize the overseeing ministry. Concurrently, firms from China, the US, and France are competing for contracts for the Trans-Guinean railway, while Rio Tinto is finalizing discussions regarding iron sales and partnerships.
The Mount Simandou iron ore megaproject in Guinea has seen developments following the increased involvement of Baowu Steel, which has bolstered its team with approximately 150 personnel primarily from China. Recently appointed Bouna Sylla, known for his adept negotiation skills and connections within government, is now crucial to stabilizing the tumultuous ministry overseeing the project.
In the context of infrastructure development, a Chinese firm and a US enterprise are both vying for a significant contract related to signaling and locomotive supply for the planned Trans-Guinean railway. Notably, the French conglomerate Alstom has also shown interest in the railway initiative, indicating a competitive environment for infrastructure contracts.
The UK-Australian giant, Rio Tinto, has been actively engaged in selecting subcontractors and negotiating iron prices with Chinese buyers. The company is anticipating a financial commitment from its partner, Chinalco, expected by March, while also maintaining discussions with the Guinean junta to further align project goals.
In summary, the Mount Simandou iron ore project is witnessing a rise in involvement from various international firms, particularly Baowu Steel and Rio Tinto. The appointment of Bouna Sylla is expected to bring stability to the project management. Meanwhile, the competitive bidding for rail infrastructure contracts highlights the ongoing global interest in this significant resource-rich region.
Original Source: www.africaintelligence.com
