Major Setback For Chinese Mining Interests in Guinea as Junta Suspends Simandou Iron Ore Project

Aerial view of the world's largest iron ore deposits at the Simandou mine in Guinea. Image via Rio Tinto.

China’s long-term ambition to reduce its dependence on Australian iron ore suffered a major setback late last week when Guinea’s ruling junta ordered the immediate suspension of all activities at the massive Simandou mine.

Interim President Mamady Doumbouya announced the order following a cabinet meeting last Thursday when, according to a statement, he expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the development of the mine:

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