Guinea Military Government Revokes 46 Mining Licences, Tightens Sector Control

Guinea's military government has revoked licenses from 46 to 53 mining companies as part of a broader reform effort to address underutilized or non-compliant mining operations, particularly in bauxite, gold, diamond, and graphite sectors. Although these cancellations mostly impact smaller, less significant operators, the move signals a rising trend of resource nationalism in West Africa, mirroring similar actions in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Guinea, home to the world's largest bauxite reserves, remains a key player in global aluminum production, with major producers unaffected and poised to increase output by 35% in 2025. Officials emphasize that the license revocations aim to enforce compliance, boost revenue, and ensure mining contributes more substantially to national development goals. The government has not clarified whether larger firms will face similar actions, but analysts interpret the move as a warning to all operators to adhere strictly to their agreements. This shift reflects growing governmental control over mineral resources in the region, potentially influencing future investment and regulatory landscapes.