Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) is pleased to announce that the Simandou project, the world’s largest mining and related rail and port infrastructure project, has been named Impact Deal of the Year at the IFLR Africa Awards 2025. The Impact Deal of the Year is selected by IFLR’s research and editorial panel for its importance to the global infrastructure sector.
Simandou is of great national significance for Guinea, which is aiming to become a world leader in iron ore production and a middle-income economy. With high-grade iron ore suitable for conversion into steel via less carbon intensive methods, Simandou will strengthen the decarbonisation of the steel industry, combat global climate change and contribute to Africa’s transition to clean energy.
WFW advised the Republic of Guinea on all legal aspects of the project, which includes:
- the development of four world-class iron ore blocks in the south of Guinea; and
- the construction and operation of:
- a 600km+ main railway line, connecting spur lines and locomotive and wagon fleets for transportation from the mines to the coast;
- a large mineral port and transshipment vessels and barges for transferring the ore to ocean vessels; and
- an estimated 170 capesize bulkers to ship iron ore from Simandou.
Twenty-four lawyers from across WFW’s international network, including Dubai, London, New York and Paris, advised on a wide range of legal matters key to the project. These included corporate and M&A, project financing, ESG, BOT/concession, construction, procurement and O&M, competition and tax, leveraging the firm’s wealth of expertise across the mining, energy, infrastructure and transport spaces in emerging markets.
WFW Dubai Projects Partner Alhassane Barry and Mining Lead Jan Mellmann attended the IFLR Africa Awards in Cape Town. They commented: “We are delighted that IFLR has recognised the importance of the Simandou project and the impact it will have on Guinea and Africa as a whole. This has been a fantastic team effort and perfectly demonstrates WFW’s cross office and cross service capabilities to deliver on the most complex transactions within the energy, mining, infrastructure and transport space, particularly in emerging markets”.
The Simandou project was also shortlisted for Deal of the Year: Projects and the BUA Industries – Afreximbank deal on which the firm advised was shortlisted for Deal of the Year: Loans. WFW was shortlisted for Francophone Africa International Firm, Team of the Year: Infrastructure and Team of the Year: Loans. London Senior Associate Thomas Newlyn was shortlisted for Rising Star – International.
