Diallo: ESG remains crucial to Guinea’s Simandou project

Guinea’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Djami Diallo, has emphasized the government's dedication to aligning the Simandou project with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Diallo underscored the significance of upholding ESG standards to safeguard Guinea’s rich biodiversity and advance towards energy transition and decarbonisation. The Simandou project, a collaboration between the Guinean state and industrial partners Rio Tinto and WCS, aims to construct essential infrastructure comprising a 600-kilometre railway and a port for mineral exports. Diallo highlighted the pivotal role of the Conakry Technical Committee (CTG), a joint venture company established two years ago with diverse stakeholders, in facilitating the project’s development. With a strong focus on ESG considerations from the project’s inception, Guinea remains committed to ensuring that environmental, social, and governance aspects are meticulously addressed throughout the construction and operational phases. The Minister emphasized that while Simandou presents a significant opportunity for Guinea’s economic growth, it is imperative to balance development with environmental preservation. Guinea is keen on protecting its unique biodiversity amidst the infrastructural expansion required for iron ore exports. Diallo reiterated the government’s vigilant approach in scrutinizing environmental impacts and ensuring that conservation efforts are prioritized during the project execution. Moreover, Diallo affirmed that the Simandou project aligns with global objectives concerning energy transition and decarbonisation. By enabling the extraction and market availability of rich iron ore resources, the project is poised to contribute to the energy transition agenda. Diallo emphasized that the project's output will support climate change mitigation efforts, thereby reinforcing Guinea's commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Guinea's steadfast focus on ESG principles underscores the government's recognition of the interconnectedness between economic progress and environmental conservation. As countries worldwide strive to achieve net zero emissions and promote sustainable practices, Guinea's dedication to upholding ESG standards in the Simandou project sets a significant precedent for environmentally responsible development within the mining sector. In conclusion, Guinea's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Djami Diallo, reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to integrating ESG considerations into the Simandou project. With a clear emphasis on biodiversity preservation, energy transition, and decarbonisation, Guinea aims to harness the project’s potential for sustainable growth while safeguarding the country's natural heritage.