British-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto says Guinea’s Simandou mine reaches 10-million-tonne annual production pace

British-Australian mining group Rio Tinto says its Simandou iron-ore operation in Guinea has reached an annualised production pace of approximately 10 million tonnes, marking another step in the expansion of the West African project.

• Rio Tinto says its Simandou operation reached an annualised production pace of approximately 10 million tonnes.
• The milestone was achieved during the third quarter and disclosed on 14 October.
• The company continues to target a 60-million-tonne annual production rate during the second half of 2028.
• The figures concern its associated operation, rather than the combined output of both Simandou consortia.

The milestone was achieved during the July–September quarter and disclosed in the company’s production update on 14 October.

Rio continues to target a 60-million-tonne annual production rate during the second half of 2028, six times the newly reported pace.

The current figure measures production speed expressed over a year. It does not mean the operation produced 10 million tonnes during the quarter or has already delivered that volume this year.

According to Rio Tinto’s original quarterly announcement⁠, Simandou reached the approximately 10-million-tonne annualised rate as production continued to increase. Both the reported rate and expansion target are stated on a 100% operational basis, rather than Rio’s ownership-adjusted share.

Beyond the first shipments

Simandou comprises separate mining developments. SimFer, involving Rio Tinto, Chinese partners and Guinea’s government, develops the southern blocks, while another consortium develops the northern section.

The distinction is essential when comparing production figures. Rio’s update does not describe the combined output of all four blocks.

A fully integrated SimFer shipment arrived in China in March, marking a milestone for the project.

Exports through Morebaya port were already gaining attention in June. The latest disclosure adds a new dimension, with the company confirming its production rate.

Production and sales follow different timetables

Mining ore is only one stage in the supply chain. It must move by rail to the coast, be shipped overseas and reach customers before recognised sales necessarily appear in the accounts.

Rio’s release explains that its Simandou production measure covers ore ready for train loading at the mine gate. Final crushing takes place in China.

Consequently, production, shipments and sales figures should not be treated as interchangeable.

The expansion signals that Guinea’s project is moving beyond its initial export phase. The challenge now is to sustain higher production while ensuring transport and customer deliveries keep pace.