BHP Billiton opens Guinea office

Diversified resources company BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) said it has officially opened an office in Conakry, Guinea.

The office will be managed by Rainer Engels and will serve the company's interests in Guinea, as well as its exploration activities in West Africa.

BHP Billiton in a statement Monday said it has three bauxite concessions in Boffa, Santou and Houda and is also a joint venture partner in a mining concession for iron ore at Mount Nimba. These activities are in the exploration stage.

The company has also indicated its intent to participate in the development of an advanced alumina refinery project in Guinea with joint venture partners.

The company's chairman for sub-Saharan Africa, Vincent Maphai, said at the office opening that $500,000 had been committed to malaria programs to be initiated in the prefectures of Lola and Boffa.

"We have worked closely with the governments of South Africa and Guinea in establishing this office and we believe that Guinea has enormous potential for investment," Maphai said.