Guinea’s production and export of bauxite have witnessed a continuous increase for the third consecutive year, as indicated by new government data and a senior mines ministry official.
As Africa’s largest producer of the aluminum ore, Guinea plays a pivotal role in providing the essential bauxite ore, which is refined to produce alumina required for aluminum products crucial to the energy transition.
According to mines ministry data viewed by Reuters, Guinea’s bauxite production surged over 19% year-on-year in 2023, reaching approximately 123 million metric tons, while exports experienced a notable 24.5% increase to 127 million tons during the same period.
Societe Miniere de Boke (SMB)-Winning, Guinea’s leading bauxite producer and exporter, significantly contributed to the heightened output. The company has announced plans to invest up to $1 billion over the next five years to enhance its river terminals and procure vessels to further bolster its export capacity.
In 2022, Guinea recorded a production of 103 million tons of bauxite and exported 102 million tons, as disclosed by a senior ministry official speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity.
The official also revealed that Guinea’s bauxite production stood at around 87 million tons in 2021, with the country exporting approximately 81 million tons during the same period, based on ministry statistics.
The sustained growth in Guinea’s bauxite production and exports underscores the country’s significant contribution to the global supply of this essential raw material.