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Guinea: Disruptions to Bauxite Operations
Budd Guinea warns of disruptions to bauxite shipping operations in some ports.
Cape Verga, Konta Port, and Kimbo
Budd Guinea has observed recurring operational challenges in Cape Verga, Konta Port and Kimbo:
- Labour Disruptions: Frequent work stoppages leading to worker strikes and demonstrations. This results in significant absenteeism and reduced production.
- Stockyard Shortages: Intermittent shortages of bauxite at stockyards, potentially causing delays in loading and shipping.
- Equipment Deficiencies: Lack of adequate and properly functioning equipment for mining and transporting bauxite from mines to port and ships, impacting efficiency and output.
- High Moisture Content: Issues related to high moisture content in bauxite, particularly during the rainy season. The ore is not always covered at the stockpiles and may be exposed to rainfall during loading.
Kamsar (GAC exports only)
The ban which first brought a stop to all Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), bauxite operations in Kamsar last autumn continues.
No official announcements have been made, but there have been reports in the press of a conflict between the Guinean state and GAC, a company which is owned by Emirates Global Alumina (EGA). Local sources advise that talks are ongoing between the Guinean state and GAC.
For vessels loading bauxite from other suppliers, it is business as usual in Kamsar.
Guinea is home to the world’s largest bauxite reserves. As the demand for aluminium continues to grow, Guinea has seen its annual bauxite exports, mainly to China, rise dramatically from 18.5 million MT in 2013 to over 100 million MT in 2024.
Information provided by Budd Guinea (budd.guinee-conakry@budd-pni.com)