Africa-Press. Media sources reported that striking workers halted mining operations last week in two areas of the “Simandou” iron ore project in Guinea, managed by a coalition led by a Chinese company.
A project advisor and two union representatives stated that blasting, loading, transportation, and dumping operations have ceased, although railway and port operations continue. Union representatives mentioned that management and workers were in talks on Wednesday, adding that the strike—the first at the joint venture—has involved around 3,000 workers.
The joint venture, supported by Chinese and Singaporean interests and led by the world’s largest steel manufacturer, announced that it remains committed to the labor and mining regulations in Guinea.
In response to inquiries, the company stated that employee classifications at its Kiriwan mine operations were established in accordance with applicable rules and in consultation with authorities. It added that the company remains committed to engaging “constructively” with worker representatives and respecting local regulations while developing Guinea’s human capital.
Guinea implemented a unified mining wage structure in 2025 aimed at standardizing wages and reducing disparities in the sector.
An executive in Guinea’s mining sector informed a local source that most companies operating in this sector are now generally compliant with this structure. However, workers at the joint venture stopped work on April 28, claiming that the company failed to implement the new pay schedule, according to the advisor and union representatives.
A source at the company indicated that workers are seeking to achieve parity with their counterparts in southern blocks 3 and 4 of “Simandou,” which are being mined by another joint venture.
