Guinea’s military government reclaimed 51 underused mining licences to strengthen state control and boost local processing amid regional shifts in mineral sovereignty.

The military government of Guinea-Conakry has reclaimed at least 51 mining licences as part of its intensified efforts to recover claims or concessions where mining activities have either not commenced or where permits are deemed to be underutilized, according to the country’s information minister. Fana Soumah announced during a televised address late on Thursday night that Guinea's military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, had officially signed the decree for the repossession, which covers concessions involving bauxite, gold, diamond, graphite, and iron.

Soumah explained that these concessions were “returned free of charge to the state,” citing various articles within Guinea’s mining code as the legal basis for withdrawing the licences.

Guinea is known to possess the world’s largest reserves of bauxite, the primary ore used in aluminium production. The country’s bauxite exports are vital to the global supply of this industrial metal, especially to markets like China and Russia.

Previously, the government had moved to revoke bauxite licences held by companies such as Kebo Energy SA and Emirates Global Aluminium. Tom Price, head of commodities at investment bank Panmure Liberum, commented that “government pressure on Guinea’s bauxite industry is building.” He added that it appears the government is aiming to consolidate the number of foreign bauxite miners and push the reformed mining sector to invest more in local downstream processing capabilities.

On the other hand, another analyst, familiar with Guinea’s mining industry but preferring to remain anonymous, described the companies impacted by the decree as “inconsequential players.” Attempts to obtain further details from Guinean authorities regarding their next steps were unsuccessful.

The decree applies to mining operations with licences issued between 2005 and 2023. While some of these permits had already expired, others would have remained valid for many years to come. This move is reflective of the shifting political and economic climate in West Africa, where military governments in countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have increased their control over mineral resources since 2020. Their aim has been to boost state revenues and reinforce national sovereignty over these valuable assets.