China’s XCMG Machinery has announced a $110m equipment supply deal with Rio Tinto SimFer for Guinea's Simandou iron ore project.
The contract will see XCMG providing a fleet of 230mt mining trucks, mining graders with capacities of 350 and 550 horsepower, and additional ancillary equipment.
Large production loaders and excavators are also part of the supply deal for the project.
XCMG Machinery vice-president Liu Jiansen said: “This marks a new beginning of high-level friendly cooperation between XCMG and Rio Tinto and further demonstrates our leading technology and innovation capabilities in the field of heavy mining equipment.
“Over the years, XCMG and Rio Tinto have developed a deep friendship through co-operation. We are honoured to provide high-quality large-scale complete sets of mining equipment for the Simandou project in West Africa. We thank Rio Tinto for their trust.”
The collaboration between XCMG and Rio Tinto is set to bring significant benefits to local communities.
The Simandou project is expected to create job opportunities and enhance technical skills among residents, with both companies set to invest in vocational training programmes to support community growth around the mining area further.
SimFer managing director Chris Aitchison said: “Following a competitive tender process, we are pleased to award the HME contract to internationally renowned XCMG.
“This contract — with its robust provisions for community development and technical training — reflects our project partners' commitments to maximising the benefits of the Simandou project through local content, prioritisation of local employment and upskilling, and investment in vocational and technical skills.”
SimFer is a joint venture between Rio Tinto, Chalco Iron Ore Holdings and the Guinea government.
In July 2023, SimFer engaged Wabtec, a transportation solutions company, to provide a fleet of locomotives for the rail operations at Simandou.
The ES43ACmi locomotives, equipped with dual cabs and a 4,500hp Evolution Series engine, are engineered to offer fuel efficiency even in high-temperature environments.
