2023-08-18 14:36:11
Holder of blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou iron ore deposit in southeastern Guinea, Rio Tinto signed an earthworks execution contract worth $244 million on August 17 with the western subsidiary. of Chinese Overseas Engineering Co, Ltd (COVEC). A crucial step in the development of the project.
The signing ceremony took place in a receptive hotel in Cona-cris. Through this new contract, the West African subsidiary of Chinese Overseas Engineering Co, Ltd (COVEC) will have the task of preparing the sites for the construction of new infrastructure at the Simandou mine, in Forest Guinea. COVEC teams will focus on the industrial areas of the mine, the Beyla airport airstrip and the construction camps for the railway linking the Rio Tinto mine to the future network of the TransGuinean Company, the railway infrastructure co-managed by the Guinean State, Rio Tinto and WCS (Winning Consortium Simandou) which owns blocks 1 and 2 of the same deposit.
According to Derrick Hansen, Rio Tinto’s Purchasing Director, the awarding of this important contract to COVEC opens a new commercial relationship. “The start of the earthworks marks a key stage in the development of the project. For Rio Tinto, this makes its commitments even more concrete. COVEC has made considerable progress since the start of work in mid-June, the workers are already mobilized. Over the life of the contract, the earthworks will create employment and training opportunities, as the pace of work is steadily accelerating.”
Priority to local skills
COVEC will provide engineering and construction expertise. The agreement is one of two earthworks contracts awarded by Rio Tinto in recent months, for a total of C$544 million. “These two contracts are based on a commitment to bring long-term value to Guinea, through local employment and skills transfer. This agreement marks the start of a new phase of the project, which will allow us to accelerate the construction of the mine, rail and port infrastructure. We will continue on this positive dynamic, continuing to work in close collaboration with the Guinean government and all our partners,” reassured Derrick Hansen.
Zach Zang, representative of the company COVEC, promises to speed up the infrastructure works of the Simandou mine, in complete safety. Even the transfer and improvement of the skills of local workers are its priority. “We are committed to recruiting 100% of unskilled labor from Guinean workers, especially local communities within an 80 km radius and maximizing the employment of drivers, operators, skilled workers and managers. Guineans. COVEC is committed to working on Rio Tinto and Guinean government requirements for health and safety technical standards and specifications, environmental, community and social performance, local business content and industrial relations. COVEC will do its best to serve Rio Tinto, as we are all part of the Simandou project,” concluded Zach Zang. Amen!
Ibn Adama
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