Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 17, Guinea’s bauxite exports rose sharply in the third quarter of 2025, increasing 23% year-on-year despite challenges from heavy rains and new regulatory measures, according to official data released by the Ministry of Mines and Geology on Wednesday. Shipments of the key aluminum raw material reached 39.41 million metric tons, compared with 32 million tons in the same period last year.

A ship carrying bauxite from Guinea is unloaded at a port in Yantai, Shandong province, China May 15, 2017.

Monthly shipments averaged 13.14 million tons in the third quarter, nearly 19% lower than in the first half of the year, as seasonal rains disrupted mine access and slowed port activities. The figures highlight the country’s production resilience amid fluctuating weather conditions and evolving policy requirements.

Guinea, the world’s second-largest bauxite producer, has maintained strong output despite recent government efforts to tighten regulations. The country’s authorities have revoked certain mining licenses and urged companies to establish alumina refineries to increase local value-added production. Independent mineral economist Bernabe Sanchez said: “With these volumes, Guinea’s annual bauxite output is likely to land around 180 million tonnes – well below the pace set in the first half, but still more than 20% above last year’s record.”

Data from the Ministry of Mines and Geology showed that Chinese companies accounted for 54.6% of Guinea’s total bauxite exports in the third quarter. Leading exporters included SMB-Winning, which shipped 17.51 million tons, followed by CHALCO and CDM-CHINE. Guinea currently supplies about one-third of China’s total bauxite imports, reinforcing its importance as a major source of raw material for China’s aluminum sector.

According to official Chinese statistics, the country’s primary aluminum production grew 2.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, supported by steady demand from electric vehicle manufacturing and infrastructure development. While China’s steel output showed signs of decline, aluminum production remained robust, underlining continued industrial demand for Guinea’s bauxite.

Guinea’s bauxite export expansion coincides with progress at the Simandou iron ore project, which is nearing its first shipment phase. The high-grade ore from Simandou is expected to be exported mainly to China. The simultaneous development of both bauxite and iron ore exports underscores Guinea’s growing role in the global mineral supply chain and its strong trade relationship with China.

Despite the government’s efforts to promote domestic processing, alumina exports from Guinea remained low, totaling just 78,000 tons in the third quarter of 2025. The authorities continue to encourage mining companies to invest in refinery construction to strengthen local industrial capacity and reduce reliance on raw material exports.

Overall, Guinea’s third-quarter performance reflects a resilient mining sector that continues to expand output despite weather-related disruptions and evolving regulatory conditions. With rising demand from Asia, particularly China, the country remains a key player in the global aluminum and iron ore markets.