Guinea-Conakry has formally moved into the construction phase of a large-scale alumina refinery in the Boké prefecture, identifying a key development in the country’s efforts to deepen domestic mineral processing and capture greater value from its vast bauxite reserves.
The project, known as the Winning Consortium Alumina Guinea (WCAG) refinery, is designed to produce 1.2 million tonnes of alumina annually once operational. This facility is considered a crucial player in Guinea’s broader ambition to shift from exporting raw bauxite only and align itself more closely with the global aluminium supply chain.
The refinery is now being seen as central to Guinea’s efforts to move beyond the export of unprocessed bauxite and adopt a more integrated role within the global aluminium value chain. Presently, the project is geared towards treating bauxite domestically before shipment, a step expected to substantially raise in-country value creation. The approach is in line with the long term aim of strengthening its industrial foundations while minimising reliance on raw mineral exports.
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Project documentation indicates that the WCAG refinery will be built around a modern industrial system and energy-efficient equipment with operations aligned to globally recognised standards. Beyond production, the project is expected to create both onsite and downstream jobs, strengthen local involvement in industrial activity, and support skill development alongside technical knowledge.
The refinery is being developed in partnership with China-based Winning Consortium, under policy frameworks associated with Guinea’s Simandou 2040 programme. This national strategy, promoted by President Mamadi Doumbouya, aims to accelerate industrialisation, diversify the economy and ensure that Guinea’s natural resources deliver stronger domestic returns.
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The launch of the WCAG project also reflects recent government measures that require mining companies to invest in in-country processing infrastructure. Planned alumina projects form part of a wider policy push to retain more value from Guinea’s mineral wealth and reduce the export of raw materials.
Once completed, the WCAG alumina refinery is expected to stand as a flagship example of Guinea-Conakry’s evolving resource strategy, linking industrial growth with national development goals while reshaping the country’s role in the global aluminium market.
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