Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. has identified potential risks to its bauxite supplies from Guinea, a country that provided 70% of China’s bauxite imports last year. This heavy reliance on Guinea leaves Chalco vulnerable to disruptions that may arise due to local policy changes and strikes. The company aims to maintain a steady supply chain from its single mine in Guinea, while also exploring opportunities to develop additional mines in the country’s north and collaborate on bauxite projects in other regions.
Guinea has surpassed Australia and Indonesia to become the largest exporter of bauxite in recent years, with a significant portion of its exports heading to China for aluminum production. As China’s own bauxite production has declined and Indonesia has restricted exports, China’s dependence on Guinea for bauxite imports is expected to increase. There is speculation that Guinea may mirror Indonesia’s policy of requiring foreign companies to establish refineries within the country.
Chalco reported a 60% increase in net income last year, but warned of challenges ahead due to slow global economic growth and rising geopolitical risks. The company highlighted issues in the domestic market such as weak demand and uncertain expectations, emphasizing the need to navigate these uncertainties while maintaining a stable supply chain for bauxite production.