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Guinea: on the construction site of the largest mine in the world
The world’s largest iron mine is located in Guinea. While it represents opportunities for many residents, it could impact the livelihoods of 20,000 people.
(France 2)
The world’s largest iron mine is located in Guinea. While it represents opportunities for many residents, it could impact the livelihoods of 20,000 people.
In the heart of the wild forests of Guinea, the iron mountains are home to the largest reserve of this metal, with an estimated 2 billion tonnes. After twenty years of negotiations, slowed down by corruption, a colossal project worth 20 billion euros has started. This is an economic opportunity for one of the poorest countries on the planet. “For me and for the others in the village, this mine is a real opportunity”, assures a man. Two foreign companies, Australian and Chinese, will operate the mine located in Simandou, in the south-east of the country.
Possible environmental repercussions
Construction of a huge railway line has begun. The work impacts agricultural land located nearby. The project also displaced thousands of residents. In total, 20,000 people could lose their livelihoods, according to the associations. NGOs are concerned about the environmental repercussions. Natural areas will be destroyed, such as the mangrove or the forest, in which 30,000 chimpanzees live.
