On August 15, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for the mining operation and maintenance project at the Simfer mining area of the Simandou Iron Ore Mine in Guinea, jointly undertaken by China Aluminum International Engineering Co., Ltd. (Chalieco) and China Railway 19th Bureau Group. This marks Chalieco’s “first breakthrough” in overseas mining operation and maintenance business.

The Simandou Iron Ore Mine, located in the Republic of Guinea in West Africa, is one of the world’s largest high-grade hematite mines. Blocks 3 and 4 of the project are being developed by Simfer Company—the project’s concession holder, a joint venture formed by the Government of Guinea, Rio Tinto Group, and Chinalco Group.

In April 2025, Chalieco won the bid for the Simandou mining operation and maintenance project, and officially signed the contract at the end of June. The company is mainly responsible for providing ore excavation and stripping services, as well as constructing and maintaining related transport roads and infrastructure.

After nearly four months of rapid mobilization, equipment and personnel have gradually arrived at the site. Chalieco will consistently integrate the principles of “safety, environmental protection, high quality, and sustainability” throughout the entire construction process, laying a solid foundation for deeper cooperation and win-win development between Rio Tinto Group and Chinalco Group.