AlCircle: Latest bauxite news update

New phase unlocked: Cameroon’s Minim Martap bauxite project is set to get its first locomotives from China

Wed, 13 May 2026 06:20:00 +0530

In Cameroon, the Minim Martap bauxite project advanced into the next step as the first locomotives for the mine’s future rail operations are set to arrive in the country. CRRC Corporation, a Chinese manufacturer, has crafted seven locomotives and is currently on its way to the port of Douala for Camalco. This is the Cameroonian subsidiary of the mining company Canyon Resources in Australia, working on the bauxite deposit in the Adamaoua region.

The arrival of the shipment was announced by Cosco Shipping, a logistics company, which has recently loaded 12 locomotives bound for Africa. The delivery of these seven locomotives is scheduled for Cameroon to boost the rail system, aiding in transporting the ore from the future mine.

Also read: Minim Martap bauxite project moves forward with rail upgrades and port preparations

The delivery marks the larger part of the Camalco and CRRC Corporation agreement, which includes 22 diesel locomotives in total. Looking into the rail infrastructure for this project is vital for upholding an effective export strategy. This is more so because Minim Martap is aiming for an annual target of 10 million tonnes of bauxite.

Within a project's largest operational and financial components, maintaining a secure transport system is crucial. Owing to this, a total CFA176.8 billion (USD 303 million) investment has been secured by Camalco and the rail operator Camrail out of the CFA252.6 billion (USD 433 million) budgeted for the rail equipment purchases. This shows that a greater logistics investment portion has been committed even before exports have officially started.

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Apart from the locomotives, the project's other transport plan includes an initial order of 560 open freight wagons, which will be provided by Texmaco Rail & Engineering, an Indian manufacturer.

In this agreement, inclusion of 1,040 added wagons for the next five years has also been included. This indicates that the developers of the project are looking and preparing for large-scale operations.

Also read: Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) eyes doubling Kodingamali Bauxite Mine capacity to 6 MTPA

Not only this, but the project also goes beyond the rolling stock purchases. Given this, Canyon Resources will be required to finance the connection of the mine to Cameroon’s national rail network and undertake rehabilitation work on several sections of the existing railway line to ensure efficient ore transportation to the port of Douala.

The arrival of the first locomotives marks the project's major milestone in shifting from financing and contract announcements to the operational logistics phase ahead.

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Possible Guinea export cap adds pressure to bauxite shipping market

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:30:00 +0530

The global bauxite trade, which has been one of the strongest drivers of dry bulk shipping demand in recent years, is now facing pressure from both supply restrictions and geopolitical disruption.

Guinea, the world’s biggest exporter of seaborne bauxite, is reportedly considering a cap on exports for 2026 after rapid growth over the past few years pushed volumes to around 178 million tonnes in 2025. If introduced, the proposed limit could reduce exports to roughly 150 million tonnes, significantly below last year’s levels.

Analysts say such a move could have major consequences for the capesize market because Guinea-to-China bauxite shipments keep vessels occupied for long periods. According to analysis from Veson Nautical, a reduction to 150 million tonnes could free up around 46 capesize vessels, potentially putting downward pressure on freight rates later in 2026.

Mikkel Nordberg said the market is already dealing with oversupply conditions, while broader pressure is also coming from Chinese aluminium production limits and excess global bauxite supply.

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China’s aluminium output has expanded sharply over the past decade and has now reached the country’s official production ceiling of 44.2 million tonnes, raising questions over future demand growth for imported bauxite.

At the same time, disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz has added another layer of strain to aluminium supply chains in the Middle East.

According to shipping analytics firm Kpler, Gulf aluminium producers including Alba, Emirates Global Aluminium and Qatalum have been relying on temporary transshipment arrangements after direct access to raw material cargoes became more difficult.

Cargoes are reportedly being rerouted through India before being moved onward in smaller vessels and then transported overland to destinations such as Fujairah.

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While the workaround has helped keep smelters operating, analysts say the system is costly and vulnerable, especially with India’s monsoon season now creating additional handling risks for both bauxite and alumina cargoes.

Shipbroker Arrow has cautioned against assuming Guinea will adopt the strictest export limit being discussed. The company noted that exports have already crossed 86 million tonnes during the early part of 2026, making a full reduction to 150 million tonnes difficult unless shipments slow sharply later in the year.

Instead, Arrow sees a range closer to 170–190 million tonnes as more realistic if restrictions are eventually introduced.

Bauxite demand and shipping dynamics have become an increasingly important topic within the dry bulk market, with the issue receiving growing attention at industry events such as Geneva Dry.

Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics

Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) eyes doubling Kodingamali Bauxite Mine capacity to 6 MTPA

Tue, 12 May 2026 06:40:00 +0530

An ambitious plan has been shared by the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) concerning the production at its Kodingamali Mines, where it is planning to expand the capacity from the current 3.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 6 MTPA. This indicates the firm's strong and sustainable demand within the industry.

Irrespective of facing pushback from some small groups, which is deemed to be influenced by rival industrial interests, the expansion is said to receive support from local communities. With over 10 thousand residents from the nearby villages, a formal statement backing the project has been submitted. These statements include the extensive developmental benefits that have been proposed for the region.

Also read: Minim Martap bauxite project moves forward with rail upgrades and port preparations

The bauxite mine in Kodingamali is said to be driving both industrial growth and socio-economic progress in southern Odisha over the last eight years. The mine, which spreads across the districts of Koraput and Rayagada, has been providing bauxite to the local industries, creating a significant impact on Odisha’s mineral-based economy.

Why do the residents support the expansion? They shared that with the support of this mining project, they have been getting better access to education, job opportunities, the healthcare system, road connections in areas which once lacked them, and better drinking water. Moreover, they have added that the project created both direct and indirect job opportunities, which leads to better living conditions throughout the tribal-dominated region.

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Owing to this, the officials from the firm stated that it is highly dedicated to providing sustainable and responsible mining practices and, at the same time, to prioritise the welfare of the community as well as protect the environment.

The firm has also assured that the activities involved in the project expansion will be carried out by adhering to all the guidelines and regulations concerning the environment and creating a strong emphasis on inclusive growth and long-term development for the region.

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Additionally, the firm's push to increase production capacity was driven mainly by rising demand in both the aluminium sector and other allied industries. Moreover, this rise in capacity will also boost Odisha’s resource-driven economic growth.

Nonetheless, the upcoming expansion to 6 MTPA is set to enhance the mine’s role in the state’s mineral production and highlight its importance in fulfilling local industrial needs.

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Minim Martap bauxite project moves forward with rail upgrades and port preparations

Fri, 08 May 2026 18:30:00 +0530

Canyon Resources has increased its investments in rail and port infrastructure linked to its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon as it prepares for its first bauxite shipment targeted for late Q3 2026.

The company’s subsidiary, Camalco, increased its stake in rail operator Camrail from 9.1 per cent to 26.9 per cent after making a payment of XAF 9.852 billion (USD 17.66 million). Canyon also acquired a 42.8 per cent stake in Port of Douala operator Terminal Bois du Port de Douala S.A. through an investment of around AUD 0.8 million (USD 579,000).

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According to the company, the investments are aimed at improving coordination for the PQ2 rail upgrade and securing transport capacity for future bauxite shipments. Completion of the increased Camrail stake is expected in Q2 2026 after administrative registration.

Mining and transport preparations are also progressing at the project. Surface mining equipment was moved to the Daniel Plateau area in April, while trial mining is scheduled to begin in mid-Q2 2026. The company plans to build bauxite stockpiles at the mine site, Inland Rail Facility, and Port of Douala before exports begin.

Also read: Bauxite Hills output grows as Metro Mining maintains shipment outlook

Track laying work at the Inland Rail Facility and bulk earthworks at the port have already started to support rail operations and storage infrastructure.

Canyon said the first seven locomotives are expected to arrive at the Port of Douala in late Q2 2026, with rail wagons scheduled to arrive in July 2026. These are expected to support operations ahead of the first planned shipment in late September 2026.

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The company is also continuing a feasibility study for a proposed alumina refinery, which is expected to be completed by Q3 2026. Discussions with potential offtake partners are ongoing, with agreements expected after initial shipments confirm ore quality.

The Minim Martap project ore reserve contains about 51 per cent alumina and around 2 per cent silica. Previous company updates described part of the deposit as a high-grade bauxite zone.

Canyon previously said Stage 1 capital requirements up to the first ore shipment are supported through existing cash reserves and a USD 140 million debt facility from AFG Bank Cameroon.

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The company had earlier indicated plans to raise its Camrail stake above 20 per cent. In April 2026, Canyon also announced the resignation of CEO Peter Secker and Non-Executive Director Scott Phegan.

The company said logistics execution, offtake agreements, funding, and regulatory approvals remain important factors for the project going forward.

EGA restores bauxite supply agreement with Guinea

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:20:00 +0530

EGA has agreed with the Republic of Guinea on the supply of bauxite and resolving other disputes between them, representing progress in ensuring stability in the supply of its raw materials.

The agreement provides for the renewal of bauxite supply contracts under mutually agreed commercial terms. EGA, the Government of Guinea, and Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) confirmed that the settlement addresses disruptions in bauxite shipments, including issues linked to Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG).

The dispute escalated after Guinea revoked GAC’s mining license over regulatory and export-related issues, subsequently seizing and transferring its assets to a state-backed firm without compensation. EGA termed the move illegal, halted operations, and pursued legal action while seeking alternative bauxite sources.

As part of the current deal, Guinea will pay a lump-sum compensation to GAC following the cessation of its operations in the country. The agreement also covers the transfer of GAC’s assets to Nimba Mining Company (NMC), which will advance the Sangarédi bauxite project.

EGA stated the resolution aligns with the Simandou Strategic Committee’s framework, reflecting efforts to normalise operations and strengthen long-term trade relations between all stakeholders.

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Bauxite Hills output grows as Metro Mining maintains shipment outlook

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:30:00 +0530

Metro Mining Limited said its Bauxite Hills Mine produced 563,000 wet tonnes of bauxite in April, up 33 per cent from the same month last year. The increase occurred despite disruptions caused by Tropical Cyclone Narelle and some maintenance work that limited shipping capacity.

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The higher production allowed the company to build stockpiles. This comes ahead of an expected rise in shipments after its offshore floating terminal, Ikamba, returned to service.

Shipments in April were 416,000 wet metric tonnes, slightly lower by 2 per cent year-on-year. The decline was mainly due to operations running with only one transhipper for part of the month and a temporary crane barge breakdown. Full transhipping capacity was restored on May 3 after Ikamba resumed operations.

Also read: The US launches a 2-year project “Mud to Metal”, focusing on gallium, titanium and rare earth

Metro Mining has kept its shipment guidance for 2026 unchanged at 6.6 to 7.1 million tonnes. The company said this reflects confidence that it can meet its export targets for the year despite recent disruptions.

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The company operates the Bauxite Hills Mine in Cape York, North Queensland, on the Weipa bauxite plateau. It supplies bauxite to overseas customers using large ore carriers.
Metro Mining also works with Traditional Owner groups in the region and supports local employment in Far North Queensland.

United States declining bauxite imports in 2025: A critical overview

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:25:00 +0530

The United States has long been a net importer of bauxite, owing to the small domestic reserves located in Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia. This trend has not changed much except the numbers going up or down in 2025. Jamaica and Turkey, the only two primary exporters of bauxite to the US, have remained firm, albeit the amount dropped year-on-year, leading to the decline in the United States’ total bauxite imports.

Factors driving the decline in the US bauxite imports

The erosion of alumina refining capacity in the domestic market from 5 million tonnes in 2000 to nearly 600,000 tonnes today has practically reduced the demand for bauxite in the United States. At present, only one refinery - Atlantic Alumina’s Gramercy plant in Louisiana is running but at its one-third capacity, producing around 500,000 to 600,000 tonnes annually. Moreover, the United States’ constant shift towards secondary aluminium, with scrap recovery reaching 3.62 million tonnes by the end of 2025, has altered the requirement of aluminium input from bauxite to scrap.

Hence, the direct impact on import volume

In 2025, the United States’ bauxite imports stood at 1.71 million tonnes – down by 17.3 per cent Y-o-Y from 2.08 million tonnes. Although the volumes in some quarters like Q3 and Q4 tried to offset the fall, but the consistent annual decline through each quarter resisted the chance. After a quarter-on-quarter fall in Q2 2025 from 480,000 tonnes to 369,000 tonnes, import volume increased to 403,000 tonnes in Q3 and 459,000 tonnes in Q4, recording an increase of 9.2 per cent and 13.9 per cent, respectively. However, the import volumes in Q3 and Q4 could neither be able to touch the figure in Q1 nor could come above 553,000 tonnes in Q3 2024 and 500,000 tonnes in Q4 2024. In fact, the import volume in the first two quarters of 2025 stood below what was achieved during Q1 and Q2 of 2024, recording an annual fall of 4.2 per cent and 30 per cent.

So, the above data suggests the sharp fall in Q2 contributed the highest to the decline in the United States’ annual fall in bauxite imports.

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Jamaica & Turkey’s contributions to US imports

To the total bauxite import volume, Jamaica contributed 1.33 million tonnes, accounting for nearly 78 per cent. Jamaica’s bauxite supply and share to the total import volume both declined over the year from 2.08 million tonnes and 81 per cent. This decline is mainly attributed to the country’s reduced bauxite supply through Q2 to Q4. From the staggering import volume of 429,000 tonnes, Jamaica’s exports fell sharply to 267,000 tonnes in Q4 2025. For the interim period, the volume comfortably stood above 300,000 tonnes, coming in at 302,000 tonnes in Q2 and 332,000 tonnes in Q3. However, annually, Jamaica’s bauxite exports declined in each quarter of 2025 within a wide range of 9-38 per cent.

Turkey’s bauxite exports to the US also declined Y-o-Y from 363,000 tonnes to 326,000 tonnes – reporting a fall of 10.2 per cent. In the last quarter of 2026, Turkey exports reported a clean sweep year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, coming in at 173,000 tonnes. On a Q-o-Q basis, the export volume surged by 199 per cent from 57,800 tonnes to 173,000 tonnes, while that on an annual calculation increased by 32 per cent from 131,000 tonnes. However, despite the rise, Turkey’s bauxite exports to the US failed to reach last year’s volume – mainly attributed to the decline in Q3 from 61,700 tonnes in Q2 to 57,800 tonnes and an annual plunge of 69 per cent from 187,000 tonnes. Turkey has always shown seasonal dip in its bauxite exports to the US during the first two quarters of each year, but in Q1 and Q2 of 2025, the country recorded slight rise from 20,000 tonnes to 33,000 tonnes and 24,900 tonnes to 61,700 tonnes. But in the third quarter, Turkey’s exports plunged, leading to the decline in total annual exports.

Also read: Here’s why we deduce red mud to be aluminium industry’s next resource frontierHere’s why we deduce red mud to be aluminium industry’s next resource frontier

Turkey & Jamaica’s global bauxite exports

However, Turkey’s exportable bauxite volume expanded in 2025 from 3.37 million tonnes to 3.78 million tonnes. China was one of key imports, hauling 1.54 per cent of its total imports, which amounted to 3.1 million tonnes. Out of the remnant 680,000 tonnes of Turkey’s bauxite export volume, a substantial portion was also routed to the GCC countries following their bauxite mining licence revocation process started by Guinea.

Turkey’s overall exports saw annual growth in 2025. From January to September, Turkey exported USD25,086,000.00 worth of bauxite, up 93 per cent Y-o-Y from USD13,025,000.00 and 283 per cent M-o-M from USD6,548,000.00. During the same period, Jamaica’s bauxite exports also gained 8 per cent Y-o-Y, from 1.35 million tonnes in 2024 to 1.46 million tonnes in 2025.

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Diversification of sources for US

While Jamaica and Turkey continue to be dominant players in U.S. bauxite imports, there has been a notable increase in bauxite imports from other countries. The United States imported 55,000 tonnes of bauxite, recording a rise of 43 per cent from 38,600 tonnes, found the US Geological Survey. The imports rebounded in Q3 and Q4 to 13,400 tonnes and 18,700 tonnes, respectively, bringing the total volume in H2 to 32,100 tonnes, up by 40.5 per cent from 22,850 tonnes.

NALCO FY26: Ever-high aluminium prices lead to record profit, while bauxite & alumina sales drive revenue

Mon, 04 May 2026 10:54:00 +0530

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), the Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, led by the Government of India, has achieved a milestone in its financial results for FY26, reporting record-breaking gains over past financial years alongside a strong operational performance.

NALCO’s annual net profit reached INR 58.16 billion (USD 612.7 million), growing 9.22 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) from INR 53.25 billion (USD 561.05 million) in FY25.

Annual revenue from operations stood at INR 178.43 billion (USD 1.88 billion), gaining the highest-ever revenue, up 6.28 per cent Y-o-Y over INR 167.88 billion (USD 1.77 billion) in FY25.

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Commenting on the annual figures, Shri Brijendra Pratap Singh, CMD of NALCO, stated, “Higher production volumes, favourable pricing, and our ability to effectively leverage market opportunities with strong operational discipline have driven this outstanding performance. Our continued focus on plant, people, and process efficiency has enabled us to consistently surpass targets.”

Fourth quarter (Q4) at a glance

Comparing Q4 2026 quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q) with Q3 2026 shows that NALCO posted a net profit of INR 17.18 billion (USD 181 million) in Q4 2026, up 7 per cent from INR 16.01 billion (USD 168.68 million) in Q3 2026. Q4 2026 and Q4 2025 results show a Y-o-Y dip in net profit as it went from INR 20.78 billion (USD 218.9 million) in Q4 2025 to INR 17.18 billion (USD 181 billion) in Q4 2026, reflecting a decline of 17.32 per cent.

Revenue from operations reached INR 51.03 billion (USD 537.66 million), rising 7.86 per cent Q-o-Q from INR 47.31 billion (USD 498.47 million) in Q3 2026. Revenue from operations also continued in the downward trend as it climbed from INR 52.68 billion (USD 555 million) in Q4 2025 to INR 51.03 billion (USD 537.66 million) in Q4 2026, representing a 3.13 per cent increase.

Q-o-Q analysis through FY2026

Analysis of the full financial year depicts NALCO in a steady growth trajectory.

Q4 – Net profit of INR 17.18 billion (USD 181 million); Revenue of INR 51.03 billion (USD 537.66 million) from operations

Q3 – Net profit of INR 16.01 billion (USD 175 million); Revenue of INR 40.98 billion (USD 445 million) from operations

Q2 – Net profit of INR 14.33 billion (USD 161.5 million) in Q2; Revenue of INR 42.92 billion (USD 484 million) from operations

Q1 – Net profit of INR 10.64 billion (USD 112 million); Revenue of INR 38.07 billion (USD 401 million) from operations

Q-o-Q net profit trend was up 7.3 per cent in Q4 from Q3, rising 11.72 per cent in Q3 from Q2 and gaining 34.68 per cent in Q2 from Q1.

Q-o-Q trend for revenue from operations was up 24.54 per cent in Q4 from Q3, declining 4.52 per cent in Q3 from Q2 and gaining 12.74 per cent in Q2 from Q1.

Aluminium prices – The profit driver?

As stated by Shri Singh, the “favourable pricing” of aluminium has played an essential role for NALCO.

The January-March quarter or Q4 2026 has witnessed the steepest hikes in aluminium prices owing to the Middle East conflict, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as well as incidents like the Iranian missile strikes at the vital aluminium smelters of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). As a ripple effect, these have driven up the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices, which soared to a four-year high at USD 3,685 per tonne on April 24, indicating mounting fear over an imminent supply crunch.

The rising trend of aluminium prices has largely contributed to the Q4 financial picture of NALCO, bringing an upswing in the primary metal prices, thereby channelling the net profit towards a Q-o-Q hike despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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Bauxite and alumina sales – Annual revenue drivers?

NALCO’s strong financial performance was reinforced by favourable aluminium and alumina prices, alongside tighter cost controls, operational efficiency, and ongoing capacity expansions.

NALCO achieved a stellar performance in its bauxite segment, with excavation touching 770.1 million tonnes, which rose 0.69 per cent Y-o-Y from the 764.8 million tonnes in FY25, reflecting strong operational efficiency in mining and logistics.

In the alumina segment, hydrate production reached 23.00 lakh tonnes, while calcined alumina output stood at 22.75 lakh tonnes. On the sales side, total alumina dispatches rose to 14.46 lakh tonnes, including 1.38 lakh tonnes catered to the domestic market.

Aluminium operations also marked a historic high, with cast metal production reaching 47.2 million tonnes. Metal sales climbed to 47.4 million tonnes, up 4 per cent Y-o-Y from 45.5 million tonnes in FY25. This has been supported by record domestic sales of 4.61 lakh tonnes.

The segment’s performance was further reinforced by robust power generation of 6,953 MU and coal output of 4 million tonnes.

What drove the rise in sales?

Sales are driven by market demand. The trend in demand and consumption of alumina and primary aluminium has seen a significant surge in the past year.

Global demand for smelter-grade alumina reached 142-146 million tonnes in 2025, a substantial hike from 2024. Primary aluminium demand surged Y-o-Y by 1.65 per cent from 72.7 million tonnes in 2024 to 73.9 million tonnes in 2025.

The demand grew in tandem in India. Smelter-grade alumina witnessed an upswing in demand, climbing remarkably by 15.43 per cent from 7.5–7.8 million tonnes in 2024 to 8.83 million tonnes in 2025.

Aluminium demand too, surged Y-o-Y to 5–5.5 million tonnes in 2025, increasing 26.5 per cent from 4.1–4.2 million tonnes in 2024. Out of this total figure in 2025, demand for primary aluminium reached approximately 2.9 million tonnes, accounting for an estimated 55.24 per cent of the full count.

Growing in parallel with the global and domestic trend, NALCO’s total alumina sales soared to 1.5 million tonnes in 2025, out of which domestic sales accounted for 138,000 tonnes.

Similarly, the total primary aluminium sales reached 474,000 tonnes, with domestic sales taking up 461,000 tonnes, recording a Y-o-Y surge of 1.32 per cent from 455,000 tonnes in 2024 and overall, the highest-ever domestic sales of the metal.

NALCO’s expansion plans

NALCO has outlined a multi-stage expansion strategy across its aluminium value chain, led by a proposed brownfield expansion of its smelter at Angul. The company plans to increase smelting capacity by around 50,000 tonnes per annum, nearly doubling its current annual output of 46,000 tonnes. The project is currently at the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage, where technology licensors are being identified.

Alongside this, NALCO is advancing upstream capacity to support its downstream ambitions. The development of the Pottangi bauxite mines is expected to add approximately 3 to 3.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to its mining capacity, strengthening raw material security.

In terms of refining, the company is adding a fifth stream at its Damanjodi alumina refinery, which will increase capacity by about 1 MTPA and is relatively more progressed, with commissioning targeted in the near term.

These expansion plans are driven by rising domestic aluminium demand, which has been growing at a steady pace, and align with NALCO’s strategy to reinforce its integrated operations from mining to critical mineral production.

With these projects in the pipeline and soon to be operational, NALCO’s FY27 calendar projects a strong growth outlook with considerable production ramp-up to reinforce the Indian aluminium value chain.

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Brazil’s MRN gets IBAMA approval for Novas Minas bauxite expansion project

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:30:00 +0530

Mineracao Rio do Norte (MRN), Brazil’s largest bauxite producer, has secured an installation licence for its Novas Minas project, paving the way to extend operations in Pará state until 2041.

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The Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) approved and allowed the joint venture, backed by Glencore, South32 and Rio Tinto, to begin construction at five new mining sites across three municipalities. The project has been in the licensing process since 2018.

Also read: New rail line proposed linking Sijimali and Kutrumali bauxite hills in Odisha

MRN plans to invest around USD 1.8 billion between 2027 and 2041 to develop the new sites. The project aims to maintain annual bauxite production at about 12.5 million tonnes, in line with current output.

The licence is seen as an important step in extending the life of operations at Porto Trombetas, where mining has been ongoing since 1979. The site has an installed capacity of 18 million tonnes per year and remains one of Brazil’s key sources of bauxite.

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The expansion comes as global demand for bauxite, the raw material used to produce aluminium, remains strong.

Guinea’s bauxite exports surge 25% early 2026, led by China’s growing demand

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:30:00 +0530

Guinea’s bauxite sector started 2026 on a strong note, with output and exports rising sharply in the first quarter, even as the government moved toward restricting shipments later in the year.

Data from the mines ministry shows exports reaching about 60.9 million tonnes between January and March, up from 48.6 million tonnes a year earlier, an increase of just over 25 per cent. The surge appears to be largely tied to continued demand from China, which takes in more than 70 per cent of Guinea’s bauxite. According to SMM, in March alone, China imported 18.12 million tonnes of bauxite from Guinea, up 29.6 per cent M-o-M and 27.9 per cent Y-o-Y.

Production has been on an upward trend for some time. The country, already the world’s largest exporter of the ore, recorded around 183 million tonnes in 2025, and early 2026 numbers suggest that pace initially carried over.

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A big share of the recent growth came from Chinese-linked operators. Societe Miniere de Boke (SMB) accounted for roughly 18 million tonnes in the quarter, while Aluminium Corporation of China shipped about 8 million tonnes, marking a notable increase from last year. Other contributors included Hongqiao-backed operations, along with CBG and AMC.

Guinea has been considering limits on exports, with officials arguing that current price levels are putting pressure on smaller miners. Mines Minister Bouna Sylla had earlier indicated that curbs could be introduced to support prices and avoid wider financial stress across the sector.

In an exclusive interview with AL Circle, Mr Daouda Diakité, Senior Advisor to the Guinean Minister of Mines and Geology, said: “To address the price gap and the volatility of freight costs, the government is taking a dual approach: transparency and infrastructure.”

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Prices have been relatively weak despite strong volumes. Guinean bauxite has been trading at around USD 32 to USD 38 per tonne, which is near its lowest level in several years.

Factors like seasonal disruptions, higher fuel costs and possible production cuts by some operators could weigh on output with indications that the government may look beyond export caps, including tax adjustments, to encourage more investment in infrastructure and local refining.

For now, shipments remain strong even as the outlook for the rest of 2026 becomes unpredictable in the light of CRU’s projection for export curbs to reduce production.

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