By Semafor Africa
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Guinea, the world’s second-largest bauxite producer, has reportedly withdrawn licenses for around 50 mining companies.
AFP said that the decree was broadcast on state television and will affect permits for extracting bauxite, diamonds, gold, and graphite.
Conakry is controlled by the military junta of Mamady Doumbouya, who has been in power since September 2021. Other military-led countries in West Africa — Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — have also tightened control over their mineral resources, including by [launching] legal disputes with international mining companies.
Reuters quoted an analyst saying that the revoked licenses in Guinea were of small, underperforming operators. But the lack of warning over the moves serves to increase uncertainty [for some.]
Doumbouya’s junta said this week that elections for a civilian government will be held in December, while a constitutional referendum is scheduled to take place on Sept. 21.
