Guinea Revokes 129 Mining Permits in Bid to Reclaim Control Over Resources

Guinea’s government has revoked 129 mineral exploration permits, stepping up efforts to regain control over the country’s vast natural resources.

The decision was announced in a statement issued late Monday and affects mostly gold exploration projects. The Ministry of Mines stated that the move is part of a broader strategy to enhance governance in the mining industry and prioritise investors who demonstrate a serious commitment to development.

A senior official at the ministry who spoke anonymously to Reuters said the revoked permits were largely inactive or underutilised, and the associated assets have reverted to state ownership. The government has also digitised the entire permitting process to enhance transparency and regulatory oversight.

Although specific details on the impact on existing investments remain unclear, the action follows similar measures taken earlier this month, when the government cancelled 51 mining licences. Those licences covered various resources, including bauxite, diamonds, graphite, iron ore, and gold.

Guinea is home to the world’s largest reserves of bauxite, the primary ore for aluminium production. This resource plays a key role in global supply chains, particularly for China. However, tensions have grown between the government and some foreign mining firms over unmet project commitments.

A high-profile case involves Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), whose local subsidiary, Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), has faced scrutiny for failing to construct an alumina refinery as agreed upon. GAC suspended its operations in December 2024, reportedly accumulating nearly two million tonnes of bauxite that have yet to be processed or exported.

Guinea’s Minister of Mines, Bouna Sylla, has stated that the government is still open to working with credible investors who honour their contractual obligations. He noted that the review process will continue in line with national laws while safeguarding the interests of all parties, especially Guinean stakeholders.

West Africa Weekly noted that Guinea’s crackdown on underperforming mining ventures follows a trend across West Africa, where governments in countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are also taking steps to increase state revenue from natural resource exploitation. These governments have become increasingly assertive in pushing for greater value retention from foreign mining operations.

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