By: Energy capital & power

Mining company Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) has completed the track laying on the main line of the TransGuinean railway, marking a key milestone for the Simandou iron ore project. The 600 km line now connects the Simandou mountain range to the Atlantic port of Moribayah, forming a critical part of Guinea-Conakry’s mining infrastructure.

The railway project is being developed through a partnership between WCS and mining companies Rio Tinto, China Baowu and Chalco. The railway is designed to transport over 100 million tons of iron ore annually to international markets, with first shipments scheduled for November 2025. While the main track is now fully laid, additional work remains. Final rail welding, signaling system installation and train testing will continue over the coming weeks. The railway is expected to become operational in phases.

Zhang Cheng, General Manager Railway, WCS, said, “The installation of over 1,000 km of track was a massive challenge that our teams met with dedication and discipline, despite occasionally difficult weather conditions.”