Glencore Xstrata signs iron ore deal with Mauritanian miner

Mauritania-based state mining firm Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière de Mauritanie (SNIM) has announced that it has signed a deal with the international commodities producer and trader Glencore Xstrata.
 
According to the agreement, Glencore Xstrata will be able to develop its Askaf iron ore project, while SNIM will provide rail and port services for the transport of Glencore iron ore from the Askaf mine. The service will be for 18 years from the start of production.