The first shipment of high-grade iron ore from the Simandou block 3 and 4 mines in Guinea arrived at Rizhao Port in East China"s Shandong Province on Wednesday, after the shipment departed Moribaya port in early December, according to a press release that Rio Tinto sent to the Global Times on Wednesday.

　　The arrival of its first shipment in China is of significant importance for improving the structure of China"s steel industry chain, a Chinese expert said, noting that the Simandou iron ore project has sent positive signals from the perspectives of industrial chain security and national energy and resource security.

　　According to SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) consortium led by Chinalco, this marks SimFer"s first delivery of high-grade iron ore to China - the world"s largest steel producer - supporting the industry"s transition to lower-emissions steelmaking.

　　The ore will be processed at the tertiary crushing facilities before being sold in the market. Rio Tinto said that the localized process is made possible through an industry-first collaboration model with Chinese ports and relevant authorities, boosting efficiency and competitiveness. Through this innovation and strong partnerships, SimFer is building long-term capabilities and laying the groundwork for the future success of the Simandou project and beyond, said the company.

　　This marked the ship"s second unloading at a Chinese port. Before arriving at Rizhao Port, the vessel - carrying nearly 200,000 tons of Simandou iron ore - first unloaded at China Baowu"s Majishan Port in Shengsi, East China"s Zhejiang Province, on January 17, the Global Times learned.