For decades, the red dust of Boké has been the lifeblood of Guinea, exported by the millions of tonnes to feed the hungry industrial furnaces of the world. But today, a new chapter is being written in that same red earth, one where Guinea is no longer just a supplier of raw materials but a creator of high-value industry.
On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Guinean government officially broke ground on the Winning Consortium Alumina Guinea (WCAG) refinery in Dobali. This $1.2 billion project represents a historic shift for the nation, moving beyond the simple extraction of bauxite to the sophisticated refining of alumina.
Breaking the "Resource Curse''
Guinea sits on the world's largest bauxite reserves, nearly 30% of the global total, yet it has historically captured only a fraction of the value of its mineral wealth. While raw bauxite typically trades for around $80 per tonne, the processed alumina it becomes can fetch upwards of $400 to $600 per tonne on global markets.
For the people of Guinea, this refinery is a strike against the "resource curse". By processing its own ore, Guinea is moving "downstream", ensuring that more of the profits, technology, and expertise stay within its borders.
What Guinea has launched is not merely a project; it is a vision, a transformation, and a promise fulfilled. Guinea might no longer be only a mining country; it will become an industrial nation.
The Heart of the Project: Dobali and Beyond
The WCAG refinery is an industrial giant designed for the 21st century:
Production Power: Once operational in late 2027, the plant will produce 1.2 million tonnes of alumina annually, significantly boosting Guinea's industrial output.
A Hub for Jobs: The project is expected to create 2,000 to 3,000 jobs during the construction phase and over 1,000 permanent, high-skilled positions once the refinery is running.
Energy Sovereignty: As part of the industrial ecosystem, a dedicated power facility is being integrated to ensure the energy-intensive refining process remains stable and sustainable.
Part of the "Simandou 2040" Vision
This refinery is a cornerstone of the Simandou 2040 Sustainable and Responsible Socio-Economic Development Programme, championed by President Mamadi Doumbouya. The vision is clear: transform Guinea’s mineral abundance into a modern, diversified economy that provides long-term prosperity for its citizens.
The development in Boké is part of a broader regional momentum. With similar projects underway in neighboring countries like Ghana and Cameroon, West Africa is positioning itself to become the global heartbeat of the aluminum supply chain.
For the traditional leaders and local communities who gathered in Dobali to witness the groundbreaking, the message was one of hope. The red earth they have walked upon for generations is finally being used to build a future as strong and enduring as the metal it produces.