Simandou targets 120 million tons of iron ore by end-2027 despite logistics bottlenecks
2026-11-13 11:22:32 [Print]
Guinea's Simandou iron ore project targets 120 million tons of annual export capacity by the end of 2027, though rail and port bottlenecks leave analysts divided, with logistics currently at about 72 million tons annualized.
Guinea exported 8.9 million tons of iron ore in the third quarter, up by 48%, and Macquarie estimates full-year exports near 28 million tons if October rates hold.
Further expansion depends on locomotive and wagon deliveries and commissioning Morebaya port's second phase by March 2027, with the rail fleet expected to reach 54 locomotives by end-2026 and 75 by mid-2027.
Growing Guinean shipments could reshape global trade flows and intensify competition among major exporters as lower prices and high freight and diesel costs squeeze rival producers.
Guinea exported 8.9 million tons of iron ore in the third quarter, up by 48%, and Macquarie estimates full-year exports near 28 million tons if October rates hold.
Further expansion depends on locomotive and wagon deliveries and commissioning Morebaya port's second phase by March 2027, with the rail fleet expected to reach 54 locomotives by end-2026 and 75 by mid-2027.
Growing Guinean shipments could reshape global trade flows and intensify competition among major exporters as lower prices and high freight and diesel costs squeeze rival producers.
