Both projects weren't economic, it wasn't about funding. Simandou was much further advanced as an implementable project (engineering and resource planning wise) than SDL is, so not right to use "funding"as a comparison.
Nimba was too small for BHP, and unlike Rio, BHP had become much more averse to operating in difficult jurisdictions.
Rio's recent issues with Simandou are likely to mean the end for major (new) investment in Africa by the serious end of town, gold mining by smaller players being an exception.
SDL Price at posting:
0.4¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Not Held