Informal translation by BHRC - "Enjeux et défis de la reconnaissance des droits des femmes dans les projets miniers en République de Guinée : Cas du projet Simandou" - Action Mines Guinée (Fanta Camara), May, 12 2026

“The Simandou mining project, presented as a major driver of economic development for Guinea, raises serious concerns regarding the respect for the rights of women living in affected areas… Women face numerous challenges, including the loss of agricultural land, limited access to information, exclusion from consultations and decision-making bodies, inadequate compensation, and restricted access to grievance mechanisms.” “In rural areas, women play a central role in subsistence farming, cultivating land to feed their families… The large-scale land acquisitions along the Simandou corridor have created significant pressure on land availability, resulting in a scarcity of land for women.”

“Djenaba lost her farmland to the railway project, and despite receiving compensation, the loss of her income and the environmental degradation have had a major impact on her family. Similarly, Aïssata was poorly informed about the project's impact on her land, and although the company promised compensation, she received only a fraction of the amount.” “Article 15 of the ECOWAS Mining Directive provides that: ‘Member States, holders of mining rights or titles, and other commercial entities involved in mining activities have the imperative duty to guarantee respect for and promote internationally recognized human rights, including the rights of women […]’”

“IFC Performance Standard 5 provides that: ‘In cases of economic displacement, a Livelihood Restoration Plan shall be implemented to ensure fair and transparent compensation for affected individuals or communities.’ This standard, to which the Rio Tinto Simfer Winning Consortium has committed, requires project developers to ensure access to information, obtain consent, promote participation, and demonstrate greater transparency towards people affected by their activities.”“Inclusive channels… Targeted consultations… Balanced representation… Strengthening women's capacities: Provide women with training and resources to enable them to play an active role in discussions and decision-making related to mining projects.”