Executive Summary
Ismaël Diakité is one of Guinea’s most influential mining executives, with more than 30 years of experience in mining, infrastructure, energy, and business development. As High Representative of the SMB-Winning Consortium and former Chairman of the Board of the Guinea Chamber of Mines, he has played a central role in advancing Guinea’s position as a leading global supplier of bauxite and an emerging iron ore powerhouse. A former CEO of Rio Tinto Guinea, he led major mining and infrastructure initiatives, including the Simandou project. Recognized for his expertise in stakeholder engagement, project development, and public-private partnerships, Diakité remains a key architect of Guinea’s mining sector growth and investment strategy.
Career Timeline
Early - 2000
Formation: Wales University, Paris XI, Mines de Douai (France)
Early 2000s
Rio Tinto — manager, government relations Entry point into Guinea's extractive sector
2010
Rio Tinto — Country managing director CEO Guinea · Exec. committee, Diamonds & Minerals
2012
Simandou iron ore project — board chairman $20 bn project · also oversaw CBG bauxite operations
2014– 2016
Chairman — Guinea Chamber of Mines & Private Sector Forum First stint leading the national mining body
2017
SMB-Winning Consortium — high representative GM railway · GM alumina refinery · Deputy GM SMB
2019– present
Chair — Guinea Chamber of Mines (re-elected) Also leading $3 bn Boffa-Boké project · 40 Mt/yr bauxite
Leadership Highlights
• Served five years as a member of the Executive Committee of Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals as CEO and Country Manager for Guinea.
Influence Score
Mining and infrastructure
Stakeholder management
Capital Markets and finance
Awards
2016: Honored with the Center for Economic & Leadership Development (CELD) Women Hall of Fame Award