Guinea may limit bauxite export volume

According to foreign media reports, sources have revealed that Guinea, the world's largest producer of bauxite, is considering forcing miners to limit exports of the ore in an effort to halt a sharp decline in bauxite prices. The government is currently conducting internal discussions and is expected to subsequently require mining companies to export according to export quotas.

Since January 2025, bauxite prices have plummeted by approximately 50%.

Sources added that mining companies in Guinea whose bauxite production exceeds the production plan outlined in their license applications or permits may be required to limit exports to the levels stipulated in their mining permits.

According to sources, some companies have more than doubled or even quadrupled their production—all far exceeding the production plan set out in their mining permits.

In 2025, Guinea’s bauxite exports reached nearly 183 million tons, a 25% increase compared to 2024. It is reported that Guinea accounts for over 70% of the global bauxite supply and surpassed Australia in 2023 to become the world’s largest bauxite producer. Australia exported approximately 45 million tons of bauxite in 2025.