Guineas Bauxite Wealth Sparks Debate Over Who Reaps Its Benefits

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Guinea’s bauxite reserves have been exploited for decades, with the country holding the world’s largest reserves of the ore. However, despite its significant mineral wealth, Guinea remains one of the poorest countries in the world.

The mining industry has played a crucial role in Guinea’s economic development, with over 75% of the country’s bauxite exports going to China, which produces 60% of the world’s aluminium. Companies from Russia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates have also established themselves in the country to secure the ore.

In the village of Bembou Silaty in northwestern Guinea, a 38-year-old man named Mamadou Aliou works in the environmental health and safety department for a bauxite mining company. However, he is also an activist who has criticized the actions of another mining company in the area.

Aliou stated that before the arrival of mining companies, his community cultivated their land and were able to sustain themselves. However, with the registration of land by mining companies, the community no longer has access to it.

The foreign-linked mining companies have transformed the landscape of Bembou Silaty, which was once a peaceful village without electricity. The area is now home to an Indian company that began operations in 2019 and holds an exploitation concession until 2034.

Locals in Bembou Silaty report that contaminated water, loss of farmland, and a decline in agricultural productivity have resulted from the mining activities. Despite this, some Guineans have benefited from steady jobs in technical roles or transport logistics, which have created economic opportunities for them.

However, many locals still rely on farming as their primary source of livelihood, with an estimated half of the population depending on agriculture for their survival. Those who own land continue to grow crops such as rice, cassava, and peanuts, but face challenges in accessing their land due to mining activities.

A local association, “Allawalli,” has been established by village women to work cooperatively and address the issues affecting their community. The association aims to provide support to those affected by mining activities and promote sustainable livelihoods for its members.

Source: Al Jazeera