Guinea’s bauxite exports rose 39% in Q1 2025, driven by Chinese demand and expanded port capacity.

Guinea-Conakry’s bauxite exports surged 39% in Q1 2025, reaching 48.6 million tons, fueled by rising Chinese demand and a near-doubling of port capacity to nine operational facilities. The government, which took over assets from the defunct Guinea Alumina Corp, has transferred operations to state-owned Nimba Mining Co. to regain control of resources. New and existing operators, including Chinese-backed firms, are driving growth, supported by policy reforms like a domestic shipping mandate and plans for a Guinea Bauxite Index. Infrastructure upgrades and regulatory support for in-country refining signal a push toward greater value addition. The sector’s momentum is expected to continue into 2026, with investor interest growing ahead of the MSGBC conference in Dakar.