Guinea to launch its bauxite price index, mines minister says

The launch of the GBX aims to promote fairer and more transparent pricing in Guinea's bauxite sector, as part of the government's strategy to maximize economic returns from its abundant bauxite resources. The index is also expected to enhance collaboration between mining companies and tax authorities, facilitate bauxite trading, and ultimately boost state revenues, according to Bouna Sylla.

In addition to the index, the government also plans to fully exercise its marketing and transportation rights in the bauxite industry, in line with Guinea's Mining Code and existing agreements. 

The state has the right to market 15% of the production of each mining company, in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, the minister emphasized. Under the Mining Code, the Guinean government holds a 15% free carried interest in all mining projects, meaning that it has a 15% ownership interest in each project, Mysteel Global learned.

Regarding bauxite transportation, at least 50% of the country's bauxite output will be required to be transported by vessels sailing under the national flag. To support its transportation rights, the government has established a new company, Guinean Maritime Transport (GUITRAM), which will be responsible for the shipment of Guinean bauxite.

As the largest importer of Guinean bauxite, China's bauxite imports from the West African country jumped by 41.9% year on year to 66.34 million tonnes over January-May in 2025, accounting for 77.8% of its total import volume, according to statistics from China's General Administration of Customs.