The Simandou mine, a joint venture between Baowu Resources and Winning Consortium Holdings, has successfully completed the excavation of the CV3 conveyor tunnel. This 1,936-meter-long tunnel is a crucial component of the mine's second series and will house a long-distance conveyor belt that will transport ore directly from the CS mining area to the processing plant. The completion of the tunnel was a significant technical challenge due to the geologically unstable terrain it traversed.
The tunnel's excavation took place in a particularly hostile geological context, with nearly half of the route passing through Class V terrain characterized by very low stability, comprising mainly of highly altered phyllites, fine sandstones, and siltites. In the final 100 meters, the teams encountered strong groundwater presence, rock that disintegrates upon contact with water, and four successive fault zones. To overcome these challenges, BWCS mobilized specialists in underground works, injection teams, and 24/7 geological monitoring.
The excavation process involved short passes with immediate support, and over 27 months, more than 10,000 meters of pre-support tubes were installed, over 200 metal arches were placed, and over 3,000 cubic meters of shotcrete were applied. Additionally, over 13,000 tons of cement and 350 tons of sodium silicate were injected to consolidate the rock mass and contain groundwater inflows. The completion of the tunnel now allows for the installation of the conveyor belt.
The objective is to feed the processing plant from the CS area by the end of November 2026. Meanwhile, the rest of the site is showing positive momentum. The production chain, from extraction to storage in the ore park, including crushing and transportation, is functioning with increasing fluidity. Since the start of operations, the production organization has been continuously optimized, equipment availability has been strengthened, and coordination between steps has been improved.
The first series of the mine is now operating stably, while the construction of the second series is accelerating. Since the launch of production on November 11, 2025, and the dispatch of the first ore ship, BWCS has continued to ramp up its operations. Each milestone achieved brings the project closer to its production targets and enhances the valorization of Simandou's iron ore for the economic development of Guinea.
The Simandou project is a significant investment in Guinea's mining sector, and its progress is being closely watched by industry stakeholders. The mine's development is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy, creating jobs and generating revenue. The project's success will also depend on the continued support of the Guinean government and the local community.
As the project moves forward, BWCS will focus on maintaining the momentum and achieving its production targets. The completion of the CV3 tunnel is a significant step towards full production, and the company is now preparing for the next phase of development. With its robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, the Simandou mine is poised to become a major player in the global iron ore market.
Key points
- The CV3 tunnel's completion marks a significant milestone in the Simandou mine's development.
- The mine's production is expected to ramp up further, with the goal of feeding the processing plant from the CS area by the end of November 2026.
- The project's success will have a positive impact on Guinea's economy, creating jobs and generating revenue.
