Africa's largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure project, the Simandou iron ore mine project, began operations on Tuesday.

The Simandou iron ore mine project, with a total investment exceeding $20 billion, is an important outcome of the solidarity and coordination between China, Guinea, and relevant parties.

Following commissioning and ramp-up, this infrastructure will support a combined total of up to 120 million metric tons of iron ore exports per year, according to Rio Tinto, project investor and developer.

The Simandou project in Guinea is one of the world's highest-quality and largest-scale mining projects, encompassing systems for mining, railways, and ports, Rio Tinto said.

Collaborating with Chinese partners — including Aluminum Corp of China or Chinalco, and China Baowu Steel Group Corp — Rio Tinto believes the project unlocks an exceptional new source of high-grade iron ore that is in demand for low-carbon steel making.

The start of the Simandou Project's operations marks an important milestone in the history of global mining.

Once the project reaches full production and stable operation, it will provide a solid foundation of green raw materials for the development of the Chinese and global steel industries, while also injecting lasting momentum into Guinea's economic and social development.

"The start of operations of the Simandou Project marks a significant milestone in the history of the global mining industry," Hu Wangming, Chairman of China Baowu Group, said.

"The stable supply of Simandou's premium iron ore resources will provide a solid foundation of low-carbon raw materials for the development of China's steel industry and the global steel sector," he said.

"We firmly believe that this exemplary cooperation will inject lasting momentum into the economic and social development of Guinea, the host country of the project."