The agreement expands the partnership from conveyor belt supply and on-site installation to long-term intelligent operations support and lifecycle services. BOTON also announced the global launch of SERV, its new lifecycle service offering for mining conveyor systems.
On September 14, BOTON and SimFer formally signed a long-term intelligent operations support services agreement for the Simandou iron ore project in Wuxi, China.
Lizzy Wat, Rio Tinto’s General Manager for China and Simandou Procurement, attended the signing ceremony together with other senior procurement representatives. BOTON Chairman Bao Zhifang was joined by senior executives from the company’s global marketing organization and Guinea operations.
The agreement represents a significant expansion of the partnership between BOTON and SimFer—from conveyor belt supply and on-site installation to long-term operational support and lifecycle services for conveyor systems.
It also marks another step in BOTON’s development from a conveyor belt manufacturer into a global lifecycle service partner for large-scale mining operations.
From Conveyor Belt Supply to Lifecycle Conveyor System Services
BOTON’s cooperation with SimFer began in 2024. Over the past two years, the two sides have steadily expanded their collaboration around conveyor belt supply, on-site installation and operational services for the Simandou project.
In late 2025, BOTON became involved in SimFer’s long-term operational support services project. Following multiple rounds of technical and commercial discussions and site visits, the two parties reached the agreement formally signed in September 2026.
As one of the world’s major iron ore developments, Simandou places demanding requirements on the safety, reliability and long-term performance of its conveying systems.
Under the new agreement, BOTON will provide long-term intelligent maintenance and operational support for conveyor systems at the project, combining local service capabilities in Guinea with BOTON’s global technical and engineering resources.
For BOTON, the project also provides an important platform for further developing its lifecycle conveyor services for large-scale mining operations.
BOTON Launches SERV: Safety, Efficiency, Reliability and Value Creation
At the signing ceremony, BOTON officially launched SERV globally as a core lifecycle service offering.
SERV stands for:
S — Safety
BOTON uses AI-powered visual recognition, intelligent monitoring and early-warning technologies to support a more proactive approach to conveyor system safety.
By integrating digital technologies with on-site operations, the objective is to identify potential risks earlier and provide maintenance teams with better information for decision-making.
E — Efficiency
SERV applies data-driven operational optimization and preventive maintenance to help reduce unplanned downtime and improve the efficiency of conveyor system maintenance and operation.
These capabilities complement BOTON’s existing field service and technical support capabilities for mining and other heavy-duty bulk material handling applications.
R — Reliability
Through digital twins, condition assessment and lifecycle data, BOTON aims to manage conveyor system reliability across different stages of operation.
Rather than treating maintenance as an isolated activity, SERV connects inspection, condition assessment, maintenance and operational data to support more systematic lifecycle management.
V — Value Creation
Operational and maintenance data accumulated over time can provide a stronger basis for continuous improvement.
By converting industrial data into actionable insights, BOTON aims to help customers improve asset performance while continuously refining its own service models.
Together, Safety, Efficiency, Reliability and Value Creation define the core principles behind SERV and BOTON’s approach to long-term conveyor system services.
Speaking at the ceremony, BOTON Chairman Bao Zhifang said:
“SERV is an important step in turning BOTON’s service capabilities into a clearly defined and scalable offering. Through SERV, we aim to transform the global project experience, technical capabilities and service standards we have built over many years into a systematic service model that can be replicated and deployed across markets, creating lasting value for major mining customers worldwide.”
Building a Scalable Global Service Model
For the delivery of the Simandou agreement, BOTON has identified four priorities: benchmarking against world-class standards, combining global coordination with strong local delivery, applying intelligent technologies to support safety and efficiency, and using data to create value throughout the asset lifecycle.
BOTON’s current lifecycle service capabilities include:
condition assessment;
preventive maintenance;
conveyor belt splicing and repair;
on-site technical support;
operational optimization;
intelligent monitoring;
automated inspection.
These capabilities are already being applied across mining, port, steel and power projects in Australia, Africa, Southeast Asia and China.
They also build on BOTON’s broader experience in mining conveyor solutions, combining conveyor belt technology with engineering, field services and intelligent monitoring.
The long-term objective is not simply to respond when maintenance is required, but to build a more connected service system around equipment condition, operational performance and lifecycle management.
BOTON Establishes Guinea Community Development Fund
Alongside the signing, BOTON announced the establishment of the BOTON Guinea Community Development Fund, with an initial planned contribution of RMB 1 million.
The fund will focus on four areas in Guinea:
community education;
public health and sanitation;
youth skills development; and
women’s empowerment.
The initiative forms part of BOTON’s broader commitment to sustainable development and to building long-term relationships with the communities where it operates.
Bao Zhifang said:
“Through the Community Development Fund, we hope to build a long-term, stable and sustainable connection with local communities in Guinea, so that every effort BOTON makes at Simandou can translate into tangible benefits for the people who live there.”
The initiative reflects a broader principle behind BOTON’s international operations: major industrial projects should create value not only through operational performance, but also through local capability building and long-term community development.
Supporting the Long-Term Development of Simandou
At Simandou, BOTON is developing an integrated service model combining local delivery, global technical resources, preventive maintenance, intelligent monitoring and on-site technical support.
The agreement represents a further step in BOTON’s international service strategy—from supplying products to supporting customers throughout the operating lifecycle of their conveyor systems.
Going forward, BOTON will work closely with the SimFer team to further integrate preventive maintenance, intelligent monitoring and technical services into project operations.
At the same time, BOTON will continue to strengthen its local capabilities in Guinea through employee training, service development and community engagement, supporting the long-term and sustainable development of the Simandou project.
For major mining operations worldwide, BOTON will continue to expand its role from conveyor belt supply toward integrated, data-enabled and lifecycle-focused conveyor system services.
March 7, 2025 – Executives from SimFer, a joint venture between the government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto and and the Chinalco-led CIOH consortium, visited Boton. The delegation was composed by Managing Director of SimFer Chris Aitchison, General Manager of Mine Ron Gordon, Senior Mining Engineer Bryan Phoon, along with Rio Tinto’s Head of China Sourcing, Lizzy Wat, and Director of Mining Materials Sourcing, Max Shen. The two parties engaged in in-depth discussions on the theme of “Responsible Supply to Innovation and Productivity,” further exploring cooperation prospects in the fields of smart mining, technological innovation, operational services, and community development.
Responsible Product Supply: From Single Products to Technological Collaboration
Since 2018, when Boton provided Rio Tinto’s Dampier Port with its first trial conveyor belt, the cooperation between the two companies has continued to deepen. To date, Boton has cumulatively supplied Rio Tinto with conveyor belts totaling far more than 800 kilometers, covering mines and new construction projects in various regions such as Australia, Canada, the United States, Mongolia, Guinea, and more.
Moreover, the collaboration has expanded from single product supply to technological cooperation. In 2023, Boton and Rio Tinto jointly developed a conveyor belt testing platform, optimizing product design by simulating actual working conditions and jointly addressing early-stage conveyor belt damage issues.
Technological Innovation: Accelerating the Intelligent and Unmanned Transformation of Smart Mining
Boton is committed to technological innovation, driving the intelligent and unmanned transformation of the mining industry. During this visit, Boton showcased its latest achievements in smart conveying, unmanned inspection, low-carbon materials, and circular recycling. Additionally, Boton is actively exploring the recycling and reuse of worn conveyor belts, promoting the development of a circular economy. Through technological innovation, Boton not only provides efficient products to its customers but also contributes to the sustainable development of the industry.
Full-Stack Services: Pioneering the A-Z Total Service Model
Boton’s A-Z (Design, Manufacture, Supply, Monitoring, Maintenance, Operation) total service model offers customers a full lifecycle solution from design to operation. This model provides safe, efficient, and reliable conveyor system services, not only enhancing production efficiency but also significantly reducing operational costs for customers.
Community Co-Development: From Product Supply to Shared Brand Values
The cooperation between Boton and Rio Tinto extends beyond product supply and technological innovation, with significant achievements in community co-development. Under Rio Tinto’s witness, Boton has actively collaborated with Canada’s Inuit indigenous communities, fostering mutual prosperity. This cooperation covers community economic development, education and employment promotion, cultural preservation, and the protection of local ecosystems, jointly building a new industrial ecosystem for smart mining conveyor services.
Furthermore, Boton has formulated the “Africa Community Action Plan,” implementing the “Future Conveyors” and “Sunshine Road” projects to contribute to the sustainable development of African communities, particularly in enhancing local youth skills and improving community infrastructure, promoting harmonious coexistence between mining development and community growth. Mr. Chris, managing director of Simfer, expressed recognition of Boton’s efforts in ESG.
The Simandou Iron Ore Project is one of the largest and highest-quality undeveloped iron ore resources globally, and Boton is honored to participate in this historic project. In March 2024, Boton officially began supplying the Rio Tinto Simandou mining project. Currently, Boton has established Boton Conveyor Services Guinea LLC and the Boton Africa Technical Service Center in Guinea, providing 24/7 technical support to ensure project supply chain security and operational continuity.
During the exchange, Chris Aitchison, Managing Director of SimFer, stated: “Simfer is committed to maximising the benefits of the Simandou project, through local content, prioritising employment and upskilling the Guinean workforce. We are working closely with all our suppliers to ensure that their investments contribute to supporting community development initiatives, enriching training programmes, expanding local sourcing and increasing employment prospects. We welcome the establishment of a Boton service centre in Guinea, contributing to our local content targets, and look forward to Boton’s greater involment in community co-development projects. “
Mr. Bao Zhifang, Chairman of Boton, added: “For the Simandou Iron Ore Project, Boton has successfully supplied conveyor belt products to the Winning Consortium and is about to deliver the first batch of conveyor belts and intelligent online monitoring products to Simfer. Boton’s Guinea Technical Service Center is already providing conveyor belt supply, installation, and maintenance services to end-users in Guinea. Facing the global trend of green and intelligent transformation in the mining industry, Boton is willing to further expand cooperation with Rio Tinto Group, jointly exploring new energy mining truck conveyor systems and circular economy scenarios, practicing ESG goals, and creating a global model of ‘resource development-technological innovation-community’.”
As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “Those who share the same aspirations are not separated by mountains and seas.” The cooperation between Boton and Rio Tinto will undoubtedly transcend geographical boundaries, creating greater value and jointly driving the sustainable development of the global mining industry!
On June 28th, at the BOTON Hongshan Smart Industry Park’s Innovation and Sharing Center, BOTON and Rio Tinto held a grand renewal signing ceremony, marking the official start of a new chapter of cooperation that spans eight years. This renewal is not only an affirmation of the past five years of collaborative achievements but also a firm commitment to future joint development.
Review and Prospect, Deepening Cooperation
At the signing ceremony, BOTON and Rio Tinto jointly reviewed the journey of cooperation over the past five years. To date, the total length of the conveyor belts supplied by BOTON to Rio Tinto has exceeded 800 kilometers. In addition, the two parties have achieved specific breakthroughs in three areas: technological innovation, business cooperation, and community contributions. BOTON and Rio Tinto have not only deepened mutual understanding and trust but have also established confidence and influence in the global market for both parties. Mr. Bao Zhifang, Chairman of BOTON, said in his speech that during the past five years of cooperation, BOTON has profoundly felt the patience and sincerity of sincere cooperation, the desire and interaction for mutual growth. Mr. Bao also emphasized: “Today we are here to celebrate the renewal of the global procurement contract between Rio Tinto and BOTON for 8 years, marking a new stage in our cooperative relationship. BOTON will take this opportunity to fully implement the total life cycle quality management, ensuring to provide high-end products, timely delivery, and high-quality services to Rio Tinto within the contract scope. At the same time, we will further deepen strategic cooperation beyond the contract scope, playing an active role in promoting industry progress and social development.”
Rio Tinto firmly belileves in the potential of China’s economy and that the country’shigh-quality development agenda will further promote the transformation anddevelopment of the manufacturing industry. Rio Tinto places gre at importance onlong-term cooperation, aiming not only to maintain a long-term business relationship with Chinese enterprises but also to deepen, appreciation and supportfor Chinese suppliers, thus building a more comprehensive partnership. Mr. JohnRobertson, General Manager of Maintenance Planning and Engineering for RTIO,and Mr. Jonathan Wilson, Senior Manager of Fixed Equipment spoke at the ceremony, expressing sincere gratitude to the global employees of BOTON. Theyemphasized key issues such as safe production, product quality, energy savingemission reduction, and social responsibility Rio Tinto expressed its, determinationto face challenges and seize opportunities together with BOTON, looking forward tocreating new achievements in the fields of mining and transportation systems.Rio Tinto China Sourc ing representatives including Senior ManagerLizzy Wat andMining Material Sourcing Specialist Henrique Wu also attended the signing ceremony and witnessed this important moment.
In-depth Exchange, Jointly Planning for Development
After the signing ceremony, a unique salon event was held in the live broadcast room of BOTON’s headquarters. The two senior executives of Rio Tinto, along with the management of BOTON and representatives of front-line employees, gathered together for in-depth exchanges and discussions. In a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, both sides engaged in a heated discussion on topics such as technological innovation, talent cultivation, and social responsibility. Rio Tinto representatives shared the company’s values – Care, Courage and Curiosity. . They mentioned that the process of selecting suppliers is like looking in a mirror, and the firm choice of BOTON reflects mutual recognition of each other’s missions, visions, values, and future sustainable development goals. Based on this, both parties will embark on in-depth cooperation on the road to decarbonization through technological innovation.
BOTON and Rio Tinto have reached a consensus on many key issues, and both parties have shared their efforts to improve gender diversity and respect for cultural differences and understanding of everyone’s views, reflecting care for female employees. The salon also paid special attention to front-line employees, who are called “forgotten heroes,” and both parties discussed how to better care for front-line employees and help them balance work and family life. In addition, Rio Tinto introduced its talent training program, which includes job rotation, management learning projects, and two-way dialogues between employees and managers. These initiatives aim to discuss individual career ambitions and promote the comprehensive development of employees. This salon event not only answered the doubts of BOTON’s front-line employees in their work but also further deepened the understanding and friendship between the two parties.
The renewal of the contract between BOTON and Rio Tinto is not only the continuation of the cooperation between the two parties but also a common expectation for future development. Against the backdrop of globalization, the cooperation between the two parties will not only promote the development of the mining and transportation systems field but also make a positive contribution to global sustainable development. We believe that through joint efforts and wisdom, BOTON and Rio Tinto will be able to overcome any challenges and jointly welcome a more prosperous, green, and intelligent future. Let us take today’s cooperation as the starting point to jointly open a new chapter in the development of the mining industry and contribute to the prosperity and progress of the world!
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