The second phase of the magnetic beneficiation plant in New Tangkeli, Sierra Leone, which is built by China Railway First Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Railway Group Limited (CREC), began operations on April 29.
The first phase of the plant commenced operation in April 2025, and the construction of the third phase started on January 22. Upon operation at full capacity, the plant is expected to treat 30 million metric tons of raw iron ore annually.
Covering 408 square kilometers, New Tangkeli is a mining area in Sierra Leone’s Northern Province. It has one of the world’s largest reserves of single magnetite, with known reserves of up to 13.7 billion tons.
The second phase of the magnetic beneficiation plant in New Tangkeli, Sierra Leone, began operation on April 29. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Construction of the second phase, which began in April 2025, was completed in 11 months. With the second phase in operation, the magnetic beneficiation plant can process 20 million tons of raw iron ore annually, improving the treatment capacity and productivity.
The construction team set up a sea-rail-road multimodal transport system to guarantee the supply of equipment and materials to this overseas project. It has also optimized the construction plan, using the dry season to improve efficiency.
The second phase of the magnetic beneficiation plant, an example of the mining cooperation between China and Sierra Leone, has upgraded the local mining industry, cultivated professionals and advanced industrialization in the region.
(Executive editor: Zuo Shihan)
