16 Nov 2020
Phanar Legal, the London-based law firm, and Sylla & Partners, the leading Guinean law firm, are pleased to announce that they have jointly, as an integrated team, advised the Government of Guinea on the ground-breaking USD14 billion deal of Simandou North involving the integratedmine, rail and deep water port project.
This project is the largest mine and infrastructure project across the African continent which will unlock the potential of one of the world’s largest and high quality iron ore deposits. The project involves the construction of a Trans-Guineanrailway of over 650 km together with a coastal port with an annual production capacity estimated at 100 MTPA. The Trans-Guinean will for the first time form a direct transport link across the breadth of the country allowing the transportation of mine products and cargo from other operators and producers. The project will act as a catalyst for economic development along the railway corridor particularly in the agricultural sector generating significant job opportunities and wealth for the country and its population.
The assistance of the integrated counsel of Phanar and Sylla & Partners to the State of Guinea initially comprised the preparation of the tender documents and the implementation such tenderduring the course oflast year (Phase I). It then consisted of support in the drafting, negotiation and conclusion of a mining agreement signed on 8 June, 2020 and the rail and port agreements on 12 November, 2020 (Phase II). These three conventions together form the legal framework applicable to the Simandou North project.
“This is project is truly transformational and it is a privilege to have been a part of it. We have been involved from devising and organising the tender through to signing the project documents comprising a mining convention, rail convention and port convention. It is a tribute to both the Republic of Guinea and SMB-Winning to have been able to conclude such complex negotiations during the Covid 19 pandemic. We also pay tribute to our Guinean partner firm Sylla & Partners without whom this deal would not have happened. It augurs well for a hugely constructive and mutually beneficial relationship between Phanar and Sylla & Partners. ”
“As a Guinean, all I can say is that I am proud that Sylla & Partners has supported the Government on this deal. The vision, energy and inspiration of our President and Mining Minister, together with the dedication and professionalism of the officials of the Mining Ministry have brought about this transformational deal. The SMB-Winning consortium is also to be applauded for the positive and constructive approach they have adopted throughout the process.This projecthas been the dream for Guineans of all ages will literally change the life of present and future generations and Sylla& Partners is honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part. We are also extremely pleased with our close and constructive collaboration with Phanar which paves the way to even closer future cooperation between our firms.”
Note to Editors
Phanar (www.phanarlegal.com) is a boutique law firm focussed on natural resources deals in Africa. Phanar serves the needs of clients who demand the quality of legal service expected of the major City or international law firms but on a highly individualised basis. The firm combines in depth industry knowledge with the ability to handle complex multi-jurisdictional contractual negotiations.
Sylla & Partners (www.syllapartners.com) is a leading Guinean full-service international businesslaw firm created in 2013. It is renowned for the high quality of its servicesand its expertise in handling complex and legal problems by bringing to bear creative and innovative legal solutions. It has an unrivalled reputation and expertise in mining and has acted on most of the key mining transactions in the country.
For further information contact Philip Rogers on +44 20 3915 5618 or Mohamed Sylla on +224 622 28 10 16