The first high-grade iron ore from the Simandou block 3 and 4 mines in Guinea arrived at Rizhao Port in East China's Shandong Province on Wednesday, after the shipment departed Moribaya port in early December, according to a press release that Rio Tinto provided to the Global Times on Wednesday.

The first high-grade iron ore from the Simandou blocks 3 and 4 mines in Guinea arrived at Rizhao Port in East China's Shandong Province on January 21, 2026. (Photo: Courtesy of Rio Tinto)

According to SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) consortium led by Chinalco, this marks SimFer's first delivery of high-grade iron ore to China - the world's largest steel producer - supporting the industry's transition to lower-emissions steelmaking.

The ore will be processed at the tertiary crushing facilities before being sold in the market. Rio Tinto said that the localized process is made possible through an industry-first collaboration model with Chinese ports and relevant authorities, boosting efficiency and competitiveness. Through this innovation and strong partnerships, SimFer is building long-term capabilities and laying the groundwork for the future success of the Simandou project and beyond, said the company.

This marked the ship's second unloading at a Chinese port. Before arriving at Rizhao Port, the vessel carrying nearly 200,000 tons of Simandou iron ore first unloaded at China Baowu's Majishan Port in Shengsi, East China's Zhejiang Province, on January 17, the Global Times learned.

Located in the southeastern region of Guinea, Simandou is home to one of the world's largest high-grade iron ore deposits. In November last year, project partners celebrated the start of operations across the mine, rail and port infrastructure in Guinea. Stockpiles at the SimFer mine gate continue to build as the project advances.

Chinese companies have played a crucial role in developing the infrastructure required for the Simandou project, including ports and railways.

"We are encouraged to see the first shipment of Simandou iron ore arrival in Chinese port. Rio Tinto's long-standing partnership with Chinese stakeholders is crucial to the successful delivery of Simandou project," said Frank Xu, Rio Tinto China CEO.

He noted that "Simandou's high-grade iron ore will not only contribute to the high-quality development of China's steel industry, but also demonstrate the powerful outcomes that can be achieved through deep, trusted collaboration."