Guinea-Conakry Mandates Domestic Shipping for 50% of Bauxite Exports

Guinea-Conakry has imposed new regulations requiring that 50% of all bauxite exports be transported under the Guinean flag. The measure was announced by Bouna Sylla, Minister of Mines and Geology this month as part of a broader effort to strengthen national control over the mining sector’s value chain.

To implement the requirement, the government has established a new maritime company, Guinéenne des Transports Maritimes, which will handle a share of the country’s bauxite shipping. The move is intended to reinforce Guinea’s logistical sovereignty and increase national participation in the export process.

In parallel, authorities have launched the Guinea Bauxite Index, a market reference tool designed to enhance pricing transparency and optimize export revenues. The index is expected to help regulate local market prices and support the country’s strategy to maximize the value of its bauxite resources.

These measures come as Guinea’s bauxite exports saw a sharp rise in 2025 — increasing by 37% compared to 2024 and 56% over 2023. The growth has made bauxite the second-largest contributor to global capesize maritime demand, ahead of coal.