Tragedy at Simandou: Safety Concerns Mount as Death Toll Rises

A contract worker died at Rio Tinto's SimFer mine in Guinea, marking another fatal incident in the construction of the Simandou iron ore project. Operations were suspended, and the death toll now reaches at least 18. Investigations are ongoing to prevent future tragedies.

A tragic incident at Rio Tinto's SimFer mine in Guinea has left a contract worker dead, underscoring longstanding safety concerns at the Simandou project. This marks yet another fatality at the massive iron ore mining venture, with a total of at least 18 deaths reported since construction commenced.

Following the incident, operations at the mine have been suspended. Rio Tinto's chief executive, Simon Trott, expressed a commitment to learning from the tragedy, pledging to enhance workplace safety and prevent further incidents. Trott plans to visit Guinea personally to oversee the response.

Simandou, largely supported by Chinese interests, remains under scrutiny as investigations continue. The venture involves extensive infrastructure, including a 670-km railway intended to connect the mining region to the coast, which has been plagued by safety concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)