No more exploitation of mining resources in Guinea without local processing, this is the decision taken by the current Guinean authorities, who are promoting a measure present in several agreements signed between mining operators and the government.
The president of the transition, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, questioned representatives of mining companies during a meeting held on Friday, April 8.
“You have signed establishment agreements with the government. These agreements contain commitments and obligations on both sides. A commitment or an obligation not kept is a cause of nullity of the agreement. This is the case with the process of transforming our raw materials that you exploit”, indicated the Head of State.
And to continue, “from now on, their transformation on site becomes essential. It is an imperative to respect without delay. Several conventions mention on-site refining. These commitments are dead letters”.
Speaking particularly of bauxite, of which the country is the world’s second largest producer, Doumbouya specified that “the transformation of bauxite into alumina should not be limited only to the establishment of refinery plants. All raw materials and products used in processing must be produced on site. It is only at this price that our natural resources will be a lever of development for our populations”.
“Despite the mining boom in the bauxite sector, it is clear that the expected revenues are below expectations, you and we can no longer continue this fool’s game which perpetuates great inequality in our relations. It must be corrected and it is now, ”also declared Colonel Doumbouya.
The government says it is aware of the complexity of an alumina refinery construction project, but maintains that « compliance with basic agreements remains non-negotiable ».
A deadline has been given to mining companies, by May 31, to propose a precise timetable, knowing that any delay “will result in penalties”.
By OMA Newsletter N° 663 of 11/04/2022
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