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| Rio Tinto Simandou iron ore mine |
Operational Pause Highlights Safety and Production Risks in Guinea
Rio Tinto has suspended production at its Simandou iron ore mine in Guinea after a contractor died onsite. This pause underscores operational safety risks and potential delays in projected output. The company confirmed an investigation will follow the incident reported on 14 February.
The Simandou mine shipped its first iron ore in December 2025. Rio Tinto aims to sell 5–6 million tonnes of ore in 2026 and reach 60 million tonnes per year by 2028. However, operational interruptions may affect these targets. Meanwhile, high-grade ore remains divided into four blocks, with Rio Tinto managing blocks three and four.
Singapore-based Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) operates blocks one and two. WCS previously halted operations after three worker fatalities, contributing to a total of 16 deaths at Simandou by October 2025. Therefore, both operators face heightened scrutiny on safety compliance and workforce management.
ScrapInsight Commentary
The Simandou suspension highlights persistent safety and operational risks in West African iron ore projects. Analysts anticipate potential short-term price volatility for high-grade ore. Furthermore, stronger regulatory oversight may accelerate the adoption of automated and safer mining technologies.
