Project on-track for first bauxite exports during the second half of 2019
Emirates Global Aluminium has announced that its project to develop a bauxite mine and associated export facilities in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa, has reached 50% construction completion.
More than 4,000 Guineans are currently working to construct the Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) project at a cost of approximately $1.4 billion. First bauxite exports are expected during the second half of 2019. Once full ramp-up is achieved, the project is expected to produce some 12 million tonnes of bauxite per year and employ some 1,000 people directly and as contractors.
Bauxite is the ore from which aluminium is derived. Guinea has more than 7 billion tonnes of bauxite resources, over a quarter of the world’s total. Much of Guinea’s bauxite is amongst the highest quality worldwide.
Extracted bauxite will be transported by rail to Kamsar port, some 70 kilometres away, using existing railway lines that are already used by other mining companies. GAC is building rail loops and spurs to connect its mine and loading facilities to the existing railway line.
EGA is also building the UAE’s first alumina refinery at Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi. First alumina is expected during the first half of 2019. Alumina, which is refined from bauxite, is the feedstock for aluminium smelters. Al Taweelah alumina refinery is expected to meet 40% of EGA’s alumina needs once full ramp-up is achieved.
