The first edition of the Simandou Mining Summit took place in Conakry, Guinea, from November 11 to 13, 2026. The event was launched by President Mamadi Doumbouya on Kassa Island and brought together 2240 participants from 41 countries, along with 101 sponsors, exhibitors, and partners. The summit aimed to discuss investment opportunities and the future of Guinea's mining sector.
The summit featured several high-profile attendees, including Bill Oplinger, CEO of Alcoa, Gary Nagle, CEO of Glencore, and Sun Xiushun, president of Winning International Group. The event's inaugural ceremony was presided over by President Doumbouya and included a symbolic start at 11:11 on November 11. The summit's theme was "The mining industry, a driver of economic diversification in the era of Simandou 2040."
During the summit, four priority projects worth $3.8 billion were presented to investors. These projects included the Grand Conakry bus system and regional train, the South Coastal Road, and solar photovoltaic plants with battery storage in Dabola and Faranah. The projects were presented in Deal Rooms, which were set up by the Simandou Strategic Committee, the Ministry of Mines and Geology, and other stakeholders.
The summit also featured a special session on the expanded Simandou 2040 program, which covers various sectors such as industry, agriculture, water, electricity, and submarine cables. Investors were given visibility into upcoming opportunities and regulatory facilities put in place by the state. Thematic conferences discussed major issues such as bauxite transformation, market prospects for iron and gold, financing mechanisms, energy, and logistics.
On November 12, Djiba Diakité, Minister and President of the Simandou Strategic Committee, reiterated three key commitments to the business community. These commitments included strict respect for concluded agreements, transparent visibility on priorities and execution calendars, and training for Guinean skills through dedicated structures like the Simandou Academy. Diakité emphasized that investments should lead to concrete benefits for Guinea, such as job creation, local content development, and technology transfer.
The summit concluded on November 13 with a national forum on mining subcontracting and a showcase of Guinean companies. The event was organized by the Simandou Strategic Committee, the Ministry of Mines and Geology, and the Guinea Development Board. The summit's outcome was seen as a call to international investors, with President Doumbouya stating, "Guinea is open. Guinea is ready. Guinea is waiting for you."
The Simandou Mining Summit is part of Guinea's Simandou 2040 program, which aims to drive sustainable socio-economic development over the next 15 years. The program is backed by President Doumbouya and involves an estimated $200 billion in cumulative investments. The summit's success will be measured by its ability to attract concrete investments and partnerships that benefit Guinea's economy and people.
Key points
- The summit attracted 2240 participants from 41 countries and presented $3.8 billion in project investments.
