China’s SPIC to Build Guinea’s Largest Alumina Plant

BREAKING NEWSJanuary 6, 2025 at 12:02 AM UTC

TLDR

China’s State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) will begin construction in March
This will be the country’s largest alumina processing plant and the second after Russian-owned Rusal’s Friguia
This development strengthens Guinea’s position as a critical player in the global aluminum supply chain

China’s State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) will begin construction in March on a 1.2 million-ton alumina refinery in Guinea, with completion targeted for late 2027, the presidency announced. This will be the country’s largest alumina processing plant and the second after Russian-owned Rusal’s Friguia refinery, which produces 600,000 tons annually.

SPIC, which has been producing bauxite in Guinea for three years, shipped 3.14 million tons in 2023. Alongside the refinery, SPIC will construct a 250-megawatt power plant, providing 100 megawatts to Guinea’s national grid.

This development strengthens Guinea’s position as a critical player in the global aluminum supply chain, with implications for international markets dependent on alumina and bauxite.

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Key Takeaways

Guinea, the world’s largest exporter of bauxite, is increasing pressure on mining firms to build local processing facilities to boost economic growth. SPIC’s agreement follows the junta’s recent suspension of Emirates Global Aluminum’s bauxite shipments to accelerate its refinery plans. With the government setting a December 2028 deadline for commercial production, Guinea is signaling stricter enforcement of mining agreements. SPIC’s refinery project aligns with the country’s strategy to move up the value chain, generating jobs and revenue while reducing reliance on raw ore exports.

Guinea

Economy

China

FDI

China’s State Power Investment Corp

Aluminium