Guinea is discussing potential alumina refining and energy investments with Glencore (LSE:GLEN), following a bauxite supply agreement between the commodities group and state-owned Nimba Mining.
Mines Minister Bouna Sylla told Reuters that both parties are interested in expanding the relationship beyond bauxite. Glencore declined to comment further, and no investment agreement has been announced.
The discussions follow a pre-financing and offtake agreement signed on 7 September worth more than US$300 million ($421.31 million).
Under the five-year agreement, Glencore will market between 10 million and 12 million tonnes of bauxite annually from Nimba Mining’s operations.
The parties have not disclosed the potential size, ownership structure or development timetable for any alumina refinery or energy projects. Further discussions would also be required before either party makes an investment decision.
Guinea is seeking to increase domestic processing of its mineral resources and broaden its sources of investment and export markets. The country became the world’s largest bauxite producer in 2023 and also began exporting iron ore from the Simandou operations in 2025.
More than 70% of Guinea’s bauxite exports currently go to China. Sylla says the government intends to maintain its relationship with China while pursuing additional partnerships with Glencore, Middle Eastern investors, and other international groups.
Nimba Mining operates the Tinguilinta Bauxite Mine and associated transport infrastructure linking the operation with the Port of Kamsar. The company is wholly owned by the Guinean state.
Glencore is a Switzerland-headquartered producer and marketer of metals, minerals, and energy products.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Nimba Mining
