Guinea has reached a historic milestone in its mining sector by exporting 48.6 million tonnes of bauxite in the first quarter of 2025, a spectacular increase of 39% compared to the 34.9 million tonnes recorded in the same period in 2024, according to official data from the Ministry of Mines and Geology. This performance, achieved despite new restrictions imposed on mining companies, consolidates Guinea's position as a key player in the global bauxite supply chain, driven by strong growth in Chinese demand.
Between January and March 2025, no fewer than 312 ships loaded with bauxite left the port of Conakry, compared with 255 the previous year, reflecting an intensification of logistics operations. This growth comes despite restrictive measures introduced by the Guinean government at the beginning of the year, aimed at strengthening control over mining activities. These restrictions, which include audits and increased requirements for operators, have not slowed the sector's momentum, demonstrating its resilience and strategic importance to the national economy.
"This increase in exports demonstrates the strength of our mining industry and our ability to meet growing global demand while imposing stricter standards," said an official from the Ministry of Mines.
The growth in Guinean exports is largely driven by Chinese demand, the main driver of the global bauxite market. China, the world leader in aluminium production, produced 18.59 million tonnes of aluminium in the first five months of 2025, up 4% from 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China. Guinea, which now supplies 70% of China's bauxite imports, has become a key partner since 2016. Weekly shipments from Conakry average 3.7 million tonnes, a volume that underscores the country's central role in global supply chains.
In 2024, China imported 158.7 million tonnes of bauxite, most of which came from Guinea, the world's second largest producer after Australia. Forecasts for 2025 point to a new record, with Guinean exports expected to reach 199 million tonnes for the year as a whole, compared with 146 million in 2024.
To support this growth, Guinea has invested heavily in modernising its port and road infrastructure. Logistical improvements, particularly at the port of Conakry, have increased export capacity and streamlined operations. "These investments are crucial to maintaining our competitiveness and meeting global demand," said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines. These efforts also aim to reduce logistical bottlenecks, a recurring challenge for the sector.
While Guinea is consolidating its position as a leading exporter of bauxite, challenges remain. New regulations, although necessary to ensure more responsible mining practices, could weigh on foreign operators, particularly Chinese ones, who dominate the sector. Furthermore, the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability remains a major challenge. The Guinean government has announced measures to strengthen mining governance, but their implementation will be closely scrutinised by investors and local communities.
With this record level of exports, Guinea is asserting its strategic role in the global aluminium industry. As Chinese demand continues to grow and infrastructure improves, the country is well positioned to maintain its upward trajectory, provided it successfully addresses regulatory and environmental challenges.