The Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, home to the world's largest untapped reserves of high-grade ore, officially started production in a move seen as reshaping global steelmaking and advancing China's resource ambitions, reported Caixin.

The launch ceremony at Morebaya Port drew senior figures including Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, who represented Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Guinean junta leader Mamadi Doumbouya, the presidents of Gabon and Rwanda, and dignitaries from Cote d'Ivoire and Singapore. Executives from Chinese state-owned enterprises and Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto Group also attended.

With investment surpassing US$20 billion, the Simandou project covers mines, railways and ports. It is expected to cut China's dependence on iron ore imports from Australia and Brazil.

The first 10,000-ton shipment departed in October from the remote southeastern mine, travelling along the new 552-kilometre Trans-Guinea Railway to the Atlantic coast. From Morebaya Port it was barged to a 200,000-ton Capesize vessel for a 45-day voyage to China via the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea.