Guinea is poised to strengthen its industrial base as China’s State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) prepares to construct a major alumina processing plant in the West African nation. The plant, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in Guinea, marks a significant step forward for the country’s mining sector, as SPIC transitions from bauxite extraction to alumina production.
Construction of the plant will commence in March 2025, with a projected completion date set for the end of 2027. Once fully operational, the plant will have the capacity to produce 1.2 million tons of alumina annually, surpassing the capacity of the Russian-owned United Co. Rusal Friguia refinery, which produces 600,000 tons per year. This new facility will solidify Guinea’s position as a key player in the global alumina market, enabling the country to add significant value to its bauxite exports.
Alongside the alumina refinery, SPIC will also construct a 250-megawatt power station, with 100 megawatts allocated to the national grid. This will provide a vital boost to Guinea’s energy infrastructure, which has long faced challenges in meeting the needs of its growing economy. SPIC’s commitment to expanding Guinea’s energy capacity is seen as a key factor in supporting the country’s industrial ambitions, offering much-needed stability and power to various sectors.
The move comes amid Guinea’s broader strategy to enhance its mining sector and diversify its economy. The country has long been the world’s largest exporter of bauxite, and the government, led by General Mamadi Doumbouya, is keen to maximize the economic benefits from its mineral wealth. In recent years, the government has urged foreign mining companies to establish processing plants within the country to boost local industrialization, create jobs, and retain more value from the extraction of natural resources.
In 2023, SPIC exported 3.14 million tons of bauxite from Guinea, further cementing the country’s position as a global leader in bauxite production. However, the Guinean government has also shown a willingness to hold companies accountable, as demonstrated by its recent decision to block bauxite shipments from Emirates Global Aluminum until the company accelerates its refinery project. The government has made it clear that it reserves the right to revoke SPIC’s mining concession if commercial production is not achieved by December 2028, signaling its commitment to ensuring the timely realization of the country’s industrial objectives.
With the new alumina plant and power station set to come online in the coming years, Guinea is on track to boost its industrial output, create thousands of local jobs, and further strengthen its position in the global mining industry.