Insights Simandou iron ore project

Our extensive environmental assessments at the Simandou Iron Ore Project in the Republic of Guinea will protect biodiversity in critical habitats.
For over seven years, we carried out extensive environmental and social baseline surveys and assessments for the Simandou Iron OreProject. This world-class mining venture is the largest integrated iron ore mine and infrastructure project ever developed in Africa.

Tracking biodiversity

AtkinsRéalis teams are always looking for ways to protect the environment. With the mine located within the Pic de Fon classified forest, a biodiversity hotspot, we needed to implement special measures to protect the local environment. We surveyed more than 1,200 plant and 600 wildlife species as well as identified 24 priority species like the chimpanzee for conservation.
Our teams also worked with a primatologist to develop a new survey method for locating chimpanzee nests. In all, we covered 2,350 kilometres by helicopter to locate 1,249 chimpanzee nests. Interviews, extensive field surveys and an intensive camera trapping program allowed us to collect additional data.

Adapting design to protect habitats

Our wildlife tracking efforts helped us make choices to protect priority species and critical habitats. With our data in hand, we modified the design of mining pits and made crucial changes in the mining schedule. At every step, our objective was to implement the most environmentally, socially, technically and economically sustainable solution.
  
Sustainability achievements:

• We carried out environmental and social baseline surveys and assessments for the largest iron ore mine in Africa.
• Working with animal experts, we surveyed more than 1,200 plant and 600 wildlife species.
• The mine design and schedule was altered to protect priority species and their habitats, including 1,249 chimpanzee nests.