SimFer, the Joint Venture between the Government of Guinea, Rio Tinto and the Chinalco-led consortium, Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), recently celebrated the arrival of the first shipment of 100% SimFer iron ore at the port of Dalian in the People’s Republic of China. The shipment departed the Port of Morebaya last month on the Rio Tinto Marine vessel, RTM Cartier. This follows the first combined shipment of SimFer and WCS ore from the Simandou project to Rizhao port, which arrived in January 2026.
In February, RTM Cartier was loaded with 201,500 tons of high-quality iron ore, sourced exclusively from blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou project and sailed from Guinea towards China. This shipment highlights the international reach of the Simandou project, spanning continents and benefiting from expertise which crosses nations. Its arrival coincides with the commissioning ceremony of the Simandou bonded crushing facility at the Port of Dalian.
The facility commissioned by Liaoning Group enables Simandou iron ore to be further processed on arrival before distribution to steelmakers. The ore is crushed twice in Guinea and a third time upon arrival in China to ensure it is of the correct size and quality for customers. This enhances logistical efficiency, minimises moisture content during transport, supports consistent product quality, and strengthens the connection between Guinean production and downstream industrial users. This moment showcases the official entry of SimFer iron ore into the global market.
Frank Xu, Managing Director of Rio Tinto China, said: “This represents an important milestone in the advancement of the project and reflects the continued commitment, close collaboration and sustained efforts of all parties involved, including the Government of Guinea, our Chinese partners, and all project stakeholders.”
Considered a major port hub in Northeast Asia, the Port of Dalian offers world-class infrastructure and operational capabilities connecting high-quality international resources to the steel industry. It also plays a critical role in supporting steel production in northeast China and the wider regional logistics system.
