SMB-Winning plans to begin iron ore production in its part of the vast Simandou ferrous mine deposit in Guinea by 2025.
Fadi Wazni, the group’s chairman, told the media on Friday that the company aims to begin production in Block 1 and 2 of the mine in Nzérékoré, Guinea. This part of the mine is estimated to hold about 2bn mt of ore, grading around 66-68pc Fe, which is a high-purity and thus expected to fetch a good price. Blocks 3 and 4 of the mine are owned by Rio Tinto.
SMB-Winning is an alliance between Société Minière de Boké (SMB) and Singaporean firm Winning Shipping, funded by Chinese investors. The former plans to be one of the largest bauxite producers in the country, aiming at 30mn mt in 2024 and operating a 1mn mt alumina refinery. The latter will set up a 135km railway line to haul the iron ore from the project.