Global bauxite production is projected at 372.8mn mt for 2021, up by 3.8pc from 2020. Australia and Guinea will be key contributors, according to GlobalData’s Aug 20 report.
Between 2021-2025, bauxite production is forecast to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 2.2pc and reach 406,700mt by 2025. Guinea and Australia will maintain steady supply, says GlobalData, owing to the series of planned projects in the respective countries. Together they account for eight of the 17 upcoming projects, noted the report.
Metro Mining’s Bauxite Hills mine in Australia is set to recommence after operations were halted in the monsoon. The mine has a production capacity of 4mn mt in 2021. Stage 2 expansion of the mine will push its capacity up to 6mn mt which is part of the company’s long-term development plans, hinged on the global market conditions.
The Boffa mine that began operations in January 2020 could reach full capacity in H2, 2021. The mine is likely to produce 9mn mt of bauxite in 2021 from 7mn mt produced in 2020. The Garafi Project, which became operational early this year, has over 300mn mt of reserves and an initial production capacity of 3mn mt which is projected to expand to 8mn mt annually.
The China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) announced the completion of a railway line from Boffa to Boke, in late July, which could increase the single trip freight volume by 10,000mt from 5,000mt.
The phase two and three expansion at the Boke mines include the exploitation of bauxite resources in the mining areas of Santou II and Houda, which will play a crucial role in increasing Guinea’s exports.