GAC’s 2Mt bauxite pile-up in Guinea: What built it, what’s blocking it, and what could break the deadlock
In October 2024, Guinean customs authorities suspended bauxite exports from Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), a subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), due to unresolved issues with the Guinean government, chiefly around concerns over GAC’s failure to progress on its commitment to build a domestic alumina refinery. As a result, GAC halted exports, and by early 2025, around 2 million tonnes of bauxite had accumulated at the port in Kamsar, unable to be shipped.
Located in northwestern Guinea, GAC operates a vast 690-square-kilometre mining concession that feeds directly into international supply chains, thanks to a dedicated rail link to its port at Kamsar.
Since exports began in 2019, GAC has become a key supplier of bauxite, the primary ore for aluminium production, to third-party customers worldwide. In 2024 alone, the company exported 10.8 million tonnes of bauxite, a significant volume contributing to both EGA’s own needs and the global aluminium value chain. A portion of this bauxite also supplies EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi.
Unlock full access – sign up for FREE.
Key benefits
Guinea pulls the plug by cancelling 129 mining licences, and it seems to be just the beginning
Next articleImpact of the unexpected incident in Guinea has eased as imported bauxite index prices rose slightly
Grow with
AL Circle
