West African Military Leaders Tighten Control Over Mining Sector

Guinea’s military leader, General Mamadi Doumbouya, has cancelled the bauxite mining concession of the Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), a subsidiary of UAE-based Emirates Global Aluminium, and transferred control to a new state-run firm, Nimba Mining Company. The decision was announced on national television, with authorities citing non-compliance with Guinea’s mining code, though no specifics were provided.

GAC has rejected the move, calling it an illegal expropriation that threatens over 3,000 jobs and raises concerns about legal protections for investors in the country.

Since seizing power in 2021, Guinea’s junta has been seeking to increase state oversight of the mining sector, which is a key part of the economy but has delivered limited benefits to the broader population.

Similar actions are being taken by other military governments in the region. In June, Niger nationalised the local operations of French uranium company Orano. Mali’s junta has also placed a major gold mine operated by Canadian firm Barrick under temporary state administration. Burkina Faso has indicated it may also revise existing mining agreements. #Africa #MMINews