In early July 2024, Rio Tinto SimFer announced the successful completion of bridge piling for the rail spur between Beyla and Kérouané, a critical part of the Simandou project.
The construction team demonstrated exceptional efficiency, completing the task five months ahead of schedule.
Over 165 days, they constructed 327 piles, poured 12,186 tonnes of concrete, and averaged two piles per day. If laid end to end, the piles would measure 5.34 kilometers—more than six times the height of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
These 327 bridge piles form the foundations of five bridges spanning a total of 1.7 kilometers, marking a crucial step in constructing the 70-kilometer rail spur connecting blocks 3 and 4 to the mainline Trans Guinean railway.
This connection will facilitate the transport of Simandou high-grade iron ore to the multi-use Morébaya port facilities.
Charles Zimmerman, Global Head of Projects at Rio Tinto, visited the mine site in June with his leadership team.
He praised the project’s rapid progress: “Witnessing the remarkable speed at which the Simandou project is taking shape is one of the greatest joys of my role.
The completion of the bridge piles ahead of schedule demonstrates our team’s relentless focus on delivery and moves us closer to realizing the Simandou project.”
Chris Aitchison, Managing Director of SimFer, also expressed pride in this achievement: “The early delivery of the bridge piles underscores our commitment to progressing the Simandou project swiftly and reflects the strength of our collaboration with partners.
I am proud of our team’s dedication in enhancing regional infrastructure and laying the foundation for the next construction phase.”
Rio Tinto SimFer and its contractors completed the work without injuries. To support operations and worker well-being, 81% of whom are Guinean, Rio Tinto SimFer constructed four new living quarters, accommodating 1,600 workers.
