【Ferro-alloys.com】: Recent metallurgical testwork at Simandou North, in Guinea, has confirmed the potential for premium-quality iron-ore, with grades surpassing 66% iron and alumina levels below 0.5%, Arrow Minerals has reported.

MD David Flanagan highlighted the significance of these results, pointing out the project's exceptional grade and minimal impurities, which exceeded the company’s initial expectations.

“For some time, the market has been experiencing a decline in the supply of low alumina product to the steelmaking industry. The Simandou North mineralisation is inherently low in alumina, which is a bonus for the project. This testwork has once again demonstrated that a simple gravity separation process is highly effective in getting rid of the silica and producing a very high iron grade product with very low alumina content,” he stated.

The premium-grade iron-ore is expected to command a higher price, typically ranging between $10/t and $15/t above the benchmark 62% iron Pilbara fines index.

Arrow recently signed a memorandum of understanding providing a framework for potential mine gate sales of iron-ore to Baosteel Resources from Simandou North. This strategic partnership will leverage complementary strengths and resources, including access to the Simandou port and rail, and markets, to advance the development of Arrow’s iron-ore and bauxite projects.

“Commissioning of the Trans-Guinean multi-user railway remains on track for late 2025. We fully intend to maximise the opportunity this railway provides,” commented Flanagan.

• [Editor:Alakay]