Guinea: China's SPIC launches construction of the country's largest alumina plant

China's State Power Investment Corp (SPIC) will begin construction of Guinea's largest alumina refinery in March, marking a major step forward in the country's mining sector. With an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, the refinery, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, will become the second largest alumina processing facility in Guinea, after Rusal's Friguia refinery, which produces 600,000 tonnes a year.

SPIC, which has already been involved in bauxite production in Guinea for three years, exported 3.14 million tonnes in 2023. The new project also includes the construction of a 250-megawatt power plant, 100 megawatts of which will be fed into the Guinean national grid, boosting the country's energy infrastructure.

The alumina refinery will play a crucial role in the Guinean economy by stimulating local job creation, increasing tax revenues and contributing to the country's economic transformation. The project is part of a government strategy to increase the added value of local natural resources, thereby reducing dependence on the export of raw minerals.

As the world's leading exporter of bauxite, Guinea is strengthening its central role in the global aluminium supply chain. The construction of this refinery by SPIC meets the government's requirements, which encourage mining companies to set up local processing facilities to stimulate national economic development.

Recently, the Guinean junta suspended bauxite exports from Emirates Global Aluminum, underlining its commitment to strict implementation of the mining agreements and the December 2028 deadline. This policy aims to transform the extractive sector into a driving force for sustainable development.

The arrival of this refinery strengthens Guinea's position as a key player in the international alumina and bauxite market. This project should not only attract more foreign investment, but also help to stabilise the world aluminium supply in a context of growing demand.

"This refinery project is a decisive step for Guinea in its strategy of economic development and making the most of its natural resources. By moving up the value chain, the country is positioning itself as a model for the local processing of resources in Africa", said a representative of the Presidency.

With SPIC's commitment and the support of the Guinean authorities, this project represents a unique opportunity to strengthen Guinea's economic sovereignty while consolidating its reputation on the international stage.