Transforming Africa's mining and infrastructure landscape

Precision in action.

Four mining blocks. Two ports. 600+ km of multi-user railway infrastructure connecting Guinea's four geographic regions.

With plans to produce 120 million tons of high-grade iron ore annually and a total required investment of reportedly US$15-20 billion, the Simandou project stands as the largest mining and infrastructure project in Africa and in the world. Its successful development will have a lasting impact on the Guinean economy and its people, and will bring green solutions to the steel making industry in China and around the world.

Our longstanding client, China Baowu Steel Group (Baowu) – the world’s largest steelmaker – in a joint venture with Winning Consortium Simandou is playing a leading role in this transformative venture which is a strategic project between China and Guinea.

"This investment is not just about resources; it's about creating lasting economic change locally and contributing to the decarbonization of the steel industry globally," said partner Liang Xu.

By leveraging our globally integrated practice and collaborating with our partner Guinean law firm Thiam & Associés, our role was to help Baowu realize their investment in the Simandou mining and infrastructure project, a historical achievement for the Simandou project and Guinea. Our team advised on all aspects of the structuring, financing and development of the project in connection with the investment.

Leading change. Transforming ambition into reality.

Navigating the intricate web of cross-border legal complexities and participating in the drafting and negotiation of a large number of highly complex and bespoke documents, we advised Baowu on turning its ambitious plans into reality. Led by Liang Xu from our Beijing office, our team collaborated seamlessly with colleagues from multiple practice groups across Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Paris, Washington D.C., Germany, and Poland.

This coordinated effort ensured that every regulatory, corporate, finance, and infrastructure-related challenge was precisely managed. It also made it possible to develop creative and tailor-made solutions to issues from both a deal structuring and a document drafting perspective.

"We are very proud to have supported Baowu in achieving the closing of its investment in the Simandou project, which represents a historical achievement for the Simandou project and the Republic of Guinea. Our cross-practice, cross-office team looks forward to continuing supporting Baowu and its partners to complete the construction of the project and put it into operation. We feel immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to work on this transformative project,” commented Liang Xu.