CONAKRY, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya on Wednesday presided over the opening ceremony of the first Simandou Mining Summit on Kassa Island, near Conakry. The international gathering focused on investment in the mining sector and economic development opportunities associated with the Simandou mega-project.
The ceremony was attended by Guinea-Bissau's transitional president, Horta Inta-A Na Man, Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, members of the government, as well as representatives of mining companies, investors and international partners.
Scheduled from Nov. 11 to 14, the summit is held under the theme "Mining as the engine of economic diversification in the Simandou 2040 era." It coincides with the first anniversary of the official launch of iron ore shipments from Simandou on Nov. 11, 2025.
Addressing the event, Doumbouya reaffirmed his country's commitment to moving beyond exporting raw materials and developing domestic processing industries. He cited the Nimba Gold Refinery, inaugurated in Conakry on Nov. 1, as well as three alumina refineries currently under construction.
"Guinea will no longer content itself with exporting its resources in their raw state; it will process them at home," he said.
Reviewing the progress made since the launch of Simandou's operations, the president said the project had led to the development of several major infrastructure facilities, including mining facilities, the Trans-Guinean Railway and the Morebaya mineral and commercial port.
Doumbouya said the Simandou mega-project was not an end in itself, but rather a catalyst for implementing the Simandou 2040 program, which aims to promote sustainable socioeconomic development and diversify the national economy by 2040.
Doumbouya further highlighted investment opportunities in several sectors, including mining, energy, agriculture, logistics, digital technology and tourism. He also stressed the importance of training young people, particularly through the Simandou Academy program.
"Guinea is not holding out its hand. It is opening its arms. We offer an equal partnership based on respect for commitments and the equitable sharing of value," he said.
Guinea now seeks to turn its mineral wealth into a driver of growth, industrialization and shared prosperity, he added. ■