CONAKRY, Mar 17 – Guinea, the world’s largest bauxite producer, is weighing plans to introduce export quotas and tighten production controls as falling global prices and rising freight costs begin to pressure revenues.
Discussions between the government and mining companies are ongoing, with authorities seeking to limit the volume of ore supplied to the market in order to stabilise prices. Mines Minister Bouna Sylla said the policy is designed to prevent further price declines that could reduce company earnings and government tax income.
The move follows a sharp increase in output. Guinea’s bauxite exports rose by more than 25% in 2025 to about 183 million tonnes, with over 70% shipped to China, the dominant buyer. At the same time, global prices have retreated significantly, falling between 20% and 35% from 2025 highs, with benchmark cargoes recently trading at $60 to $70 per tonne.
Rising shipping costs have added further strain on producers, driven in part by geopolitical tensions affecting global freight markets. Industry sources say export quotas, if implemented, could initially target larger mining operations, although final details remain under review.
Guinea accounts for more than 40% of global bauxite supply, giving it significant influence over the aluminium value chain. The government has increasingly moved to assert greater control over the sector, including pushing for domestic processing of raw materials and enforcing compliance with mining agreements.
The proposed measures mirror actions taken by other African resource producers. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe have introduced export restrictions on key minerals to support prices and encourage local value addition.
While the policy aims to stabilise the market, analysts warn that restricting exports could introduce supply uncertainty and potentially affect long term demand for Guinea’s bauxite.
