Guinea bauxite output rises 25 percent in first quarter
Guinea bauxite output rose 25 percent in early 2026 driven by Chinese demand. The government plans export curbs to lift prices and protect smaller producers.
Guinea bauxite exports rose 25.3% to 60.9 million tons in the first quarter of 2026. This volume compares to 48.6 million tons shipped during the same period in 2025. The surge precedes planned government export curbs designed to support smaller miners and lift global prices from four-year lows.
### Why China Is Absorbing Guinean Supply China receives over 70% of all bauxite shipments from Guinea, making the West African nation the primary feedstock provider for Chinese aluminum smelters. Societe Miniere de Boke (SMB) led Q1 volumes with 18 million tons. Chalco shipped 8 million tons, representing a 35% increase over the previous year.
