Baowu Steel has expanded its team for the Mount Simandou project. Bouna Sylla, recently appointed, is tasked with restoring order in the ministry. A Chinese firm and a US company are vying for a signalling contract for the Trans-Guinean railway, with Alstom taking an interest. Rio Tinto and its partners are negotiating iron sales and financial commitments as the project progresses.
The iron ore megaproject at Mount Simandou, Guinea, is seeing heightened activity as Baowu Steel increases its workforce to approximately 150 members, primarily sourced from China. Recently appointed Bouna Sylla is a pivotal figure in the project, known for his adept negotiation skills and connections within the government, tasked with mitigating the current crisis within the ministry.
In the context of the Trans-Guinean railway, both a Chinese firm and a US company are competing for a significant contract related to signalling and locomotor supply. Alstom, a prominent French enterprise, is expressedly monitoring developments in the ongoing project, implying a possible strategic maneuver.
Meanwhile, the UK-Australian entity is engaged in subcontractor selection and negotiating iron pricing with Chinese partners, anticipating a financial commitment from its ally Chinalco in March. Additionally, Rio Tinto is in discussions with the Guinean junta, indicating its ongoing involvement in the project’s progression.
In summary, the Mount Simandou iron ore project is undergoing significant developments with increased workforce efforts from Baowu Steel and strategic negotiations led by Bouna Sylla. Various international firms, including Chinese, US, and French businesses, are positioning themselves for contracts associated with the project, illustrating its importance in global resource markets. Ongoing discussions among key players indicate a dynamic and evolving project landscape.
Original Source: www.africaintelligence.com
