First Simandou locos unveiled in India
The Simandou iron-ore project has reached a milestone with the unveiling of its first locomotives, ahead of first production by year-end.
The unveiling ceremony took place on May 28 at Wabtec’s manufacturing facility in Marhowra, Bihar, India, and was attended by representatives of SimFer – the joint venture between the government of Guinea, Rio Tinto and the Chinalco-led CIOH consortium – along with officials from Wabtec and the governments of Guinea and India.
The locomotives are the first of 78 ordered by SimFer in July 2024 on behalf of La Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG). They will be transporting iron-ore from the Simandou mining concession in Beyla to the Port of Morebaya in Forécariah through a new 670-km railway.
“This milestone is yet another demonstration that we are on track to deliver the Simandou project as planned,” said SimFer MD Chris Aitchison. “Our vision is becoming a reality, and we are excited by the many opportunities the CTG will bring to Guinea by facilitating transport for goods and persons across the Tranguinean corridor.”
The railway, operated by CTG, is expected to play a transformative role beyond ore transport, enabling the movement of passengers and goods, stimulating the local economy, and unlocking long-term development prospects in Guinea and the broader West African region.
The first two locomotives are expected to arrive in Guinea in October, with four more scheduled for delivery in early November. They will undergo testing and commissioning in preparation for full-scale operations.
Designed specifically to support Africa’s largest mining and infrastructure development initiative, the new locomotives mark a critical technical and logistical achievement in the delivery of the Simandou project.
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