Guinea's Transguinean Railway Sets New Standard in Mining Logistics

The Transguinean Railway, a partnership between the Guinean state and private companies Winning Consortion Simandou and SIMFER, has begun operations in Guinea's Simandou region. The railway, stretching 650km, will transport iron ore from Beyla to the port of Morébaya. With a capacity of 120 million tonnes per year, it is set to become a major logistics hub. The railway is part of a larger infrastructure project aimed at transforming Guinea's economy.

The Compagnie du Transguinéen (CTG), managing the railway and port facilities, has invested heavily in infrastructure, including a port with three quays, seven wagon unloaders and seven ship loaders. The port has storage capacity for eight million tonnes of ore. With 50 trains operating daily, 150 locomotives and over 7,000 wagons, CTG is poised to become a leading logistics provider. A passenger train with nearly 500 seats will also operate on the line.

Matt Bartz, Operations Director at CTG, emphasized the company's commitment to safety, innovation and local content. He stated that CTG aims to be a world-class logistics company, contributing to Guinea's economic development and international connectivity. The company has implemented multiple safety measures and is investing in staff training, with 60 young Guineans recently sent for training in locomotive operation and railway signaling.

CTG's operations will prioritize automation to enhance efficiency, safety and productivity. The company has installed a modern signaling system and built numerous bridges and tunnels along the railway. With a focus on local content, CTG aims to develop Guinean skills and expertise, creating jobs and promoting economic growth.

The Simandou Mining Summit, opening on November 11, will showcase the Transguinean Railway and its potential to drive economic growth in Guinea. CTG's model of public-private partnership has attracted attention from industry stakeholders, who see it as a benchmark for future mining logistics projects in Africa.

As CTG ramps up operations, it will focus on strengthening its locomotive and wagon fleet to meet growing demand. The company aims to transport tens of millions of tonnes of ore per year, with multiple daily rotations in both directions. With a strong emphasis on safety, innovation and local content, CTG is set to become a leading player in Guinea's mining sector.

The Transguinean Railway is expected to have a significant impact on Guinea's economy, creating jobs, promoting training and improving infrastructure. CTG has pledged to work closely with local authorities and industry partners to ensure that the benefits of the project are shared by the local population. With its focus on sustainability and social responsibility, CTG is poised to set a new standard for mining logistics in Africa.

Key points

• The Transguinean Railway has a capacity to transport 120 million tonnes of iron ore per year.
• The railway and port facilities are managed by the Compagnie du Transguinéen (CTG), a public-private partnership.
• CTG has invested in staff training, with 60 young Guineans sent for training in locomotive operation and railway signaling.