US-based mining company Ivanhoe Atlantic has completed environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) and submitted permit applications to the relevant authorities in Guinea and Liberia, taking another decisive step toward the start of construction at its Kon Kweni iron-ore project in the first quarter of 2026.

The Guinea ESIA covers Phase 1 mining activities, which will see initial production of two-million tonnes a year, ramping up to five-million tonnes a year, while the Liberian ESIA addresses the infrastructure component of the same phase.

The submissions follow multi-year social, biophysical and biodiversity baseline studies, along with extensive community engagement.

ESIAs evaluate the potential environmental and social effects of project development and outline measures to avoid, reduce or restore any potential impacts during construction and operation.

As a first-in-a-generation cross-border mining development in the Mano River Union (MRU) region – encompassing Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire – the Kon Kweni project is expected to drive long-term economic growth, infrastructure development and revenue generation in both host countries.

“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 Ivanhoe Atlantic president and CEO Bronwyn Barnes.

"The completion of both Phase 1 ESIA submissions is a significant milestone as we near the commencement of construction for Kon Kweni. Congratulations to our in-country teams and assessment partners, for the significant commitment to ensuring this process was completed to world’s best practice standards. The development of Kon Kweni is a significant contributor to both Guinean and Liberian economies and will provide a new high grade iron-ore export stream that is aligned with US critical mineral supply chains.

A Phase 2 expansion, targeted for 2029, will be subject to separate ESIA processes and is expected to increase output to 30-million tonnes a year, along with associated infrastructure upgrades.