Conakry — Guinea’s military-led government has again ordered a suspension of all work linked to the Simandou iron ore project, citing continued failure by the companies involved to reach an agreement on a joint venture structure.
In a letter dated July 3 and seen by Reuters, Mines Minister Moussa Magassouba said the two project partners, Rio Tinto and the Chinese-backed Winning Consortium Simandou, missed an extended deadline to finalize a partnership, prompting authorities to step in.
Magassouba accused both companies of obstructing progress despite what he described as significant concessions made by the Guinean state. “It is clear the obstruction is being maintained by both your companies, to the detriment of the interests of the project,” he wrote.
The latest stoppage follows a similar intervention earlier this year. In March, Guinea’s ruling junta suspended construction of the mine and associated infrastructure, a move that pressured Rio Tinto and WCS into signing a framework agreement to jointly develop key infrastructure needed for the project.
Simandou, one of the world’s largest undeveloped iron ore deposits, is seen as critical to Guinea’s long-term economic prospects and to global iron ore supply. However, progress has repeatedly stalled due to disputes among stakeholders, regulatory intervention, and infrastructure challenges.
Neither Rio Tinto nor Winning Consortium Simandou immediately responded to requests for comment on the new halt order.
The decision underscores the Guinean authorities’ increasingly assertive approach to overseeing major resource projects, as the junta seeks to exert greater control over strategic assets while demanding faster execution from foreign investors.