Rusal operated bauxite train collides in Guinea, killing one injuring several

On 20th September 2021, Rusal operated two trains collided in Guinea's capital Conakry, resulting in killing at least one person while injuring eight others, as witnessed by local citizens.

The leading producer of low carbon aluminium Rusal operates three bauxite mines and an alumina refinery in the West African nation, Guinea. Its mines account for 42% of Rusal's total bauxite capacity.

Jean Tamba Kantabadouno, a delegate from Rusal’s labour union said: “The accident occurred because of a misunderstanding when a train carrying bauxite broke down in a Conakry suburb at 5 am on Monday.”

"The technicians were struggling to fix it and get it back on track when another train loaded with bauxite collided with the train," he added.

Kantabadouno said: “Communication had been faulty all along the line. It's unacceptable."

Rusal said: “An investigation had been launched into the cause of the incident and that company representatives were providing support to the relevant authorities in Guinea.”

“A timetable for the resumption of transportation would be determined once the investigation and restoration of the rail tracks are completed”, Rusal added

A resident in the neighbourhood of the accident place said: "It was a moving train that collided with another that had broken down and was parked."

Rusal presence in Guinea has been dynamic since the golden times of Soviet Russia.