Mass layoffs cast shadow over Guinea’s Simandou mega-mine as output begins

Guinea’s long-awaited Simandou iron ore mega-mine has officially begun output and exports after nearly three decades of delays, but hopes of transforming the country’s fortunes are being clouded by massive layoffs.

At the peak of construction in 2024–2025, the vast project employed more than 60,000 workers. With the transition from construction to operations now under way, that workforce will shrink dramatically, with fewer than…