Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc. has completed Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for Phase 1 of its Kon Kweni iron ore project in Guinea and accompanying transport and logistics infrastructure in Liberia, advancing the U.S.-based miner toward a planned construction start in the first quarter of 2026.
The company said the ESIA follow a multi-year scoping process and comprehensive social, biophysical and biodiversity baseline studies.
The applications were prepared to International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards and the Equator Principles, a move that could support access to international project finance and underwrite the project’s environmental and social governance credentials.
Phase 1 contemplates initial production of 2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), ramping up to 5 Mtpa. Ivanhoe Atlantic has also outlined a Phase 2 target — subject to separate ESIA approvals — to expand capacity to 30 Mtpa with associated infrastructure upgrades aimed at 2029.
The Liberian ESIA covers the proposed multi-user rail and port infrastructure. Ivanhoe Atlantic has already signed a Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) for that infrastructure, which is currently before the Liberian National Legislature for ratification. The outcome and timing of legislative approval will be a key milestone for the project’s cross-border logistics.
“Ensuring the environmental surroundings alongside our operations remain places where families, businesses and wildlife can thrive is foundational to Ivanhoe Atlantic’s business principles,” said President and CEO Bronwyn Barnes, noting the submissions reflect a commitment to sustainable, transparent project development and stronger collaboration with governments and local communities. Barnes added the project would provide “a new high grade iron ore export stream that is aligned with US critical mineral supply chains.”
Kon Kweni, a cross-border initiative in the Mano River Union region, is positioned by Ivanhoe Atlantic as a transformational investment expected to generate long-term economic growth and infrastructure spending in Guinea and Liberia. Next steps include government reviews, public consultations during ESIA assessments and the ratification of the Liberian CAA.
