Guinea revokes 53 mining licenses

The government of Guinea has withdrawn mining licenses from 53 companies as part of a broader effort to tighten oversight and management of the country’s natural resources. The move, which affects a range of mineral sectors including bauxite, gold, diamonds, and graphite, signals a shift towards stronger state control, a trend increasingly visible in West Africa following recent political upheavals.

Mining output

Although no official explanation was provided, a source within the Ministry of Mines indicated that this action aligns with ongoing efforts to streamline and clean up the country’s land and mining registry, suggesting the cancellations may be tied to underused or inactive concessions. These actions are likely administrative but could be interpreted by the industry as a precautionary signal to ensure compliance and performance by license holders.

Importantly, none of the affected companies are believed to play a significant role in Guinea’s mining output. The country remains the world’s largest holder of bauxite reserves, a key input for aluminium production. In 2024, Guinea exported around 146.4 million tonnes of bauxite, and major producers are on track to increase output by 35% in 2025, reaching over 200 million tonnes.

The move fits into a broader pattern of resource nationalism seen in neighbouring countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where governments—often under military rule—have taken steps to reclaim greater control over their natural resources. While Guinea has not directly targeted major international operators so far, the recent attempt to revoke Emirates Global Aluminium’s licence indicates that even large foreign firms are not immune to government review.

This development may not immediately disrupt production but highlights the need for both local and international stakeholders to stay vigilant and ensure that their operations align with national policies and expectations.