EGA says Guinea mining project 75% completed

　　The project has a total budgeted project cost of $1.4 billion and is being developed by EGA’s subsidiary Guinea Alumina Corporation.

　　It is the largest greenfield investment in the West African country in the last four decades. First bauxite exports are expected during the second half of 2019.

　　Almost 3,000 people, of whom more than 80 percent Guineans, are currently building the GAC project, a statement said.

　　Abdulla Kalban, EGA’s managing director and CEO, said: "We are now entering the final phase of construction of our project in Guinea and the team in Guinea is focused on achieving ‘First Ore On Ship’ safely, responsibly, on time and on budget.

　　"Whilst construction continues, work is also progressing well on preparations to operate the mine and export facilities efficiently for the benefit of Guinea and EGA for decades ahead.”

　　Guinea is the world’s largest bauxite resource holder, and EGA said its project will contribute significantly to the country’s exports of the ore from which aluminium is derived.

　　Once full ramp up is achieved, the project is expected to produce some 12 million tonnes of bauxite per year which will be sold to aluminium producers around the world.

　　In addition to the GAC project, EGA is building the UAE’s first alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi. Alumina refineries convert bauxite ore into alumina, the feedstock for aluminium smelters.

　　GAC's concession is located in the Boké region of north-western Guinea, close to existing mines that are operated by other companies.

　　Bauxite will be transported by rail to the coast, using existing railway lines that are already used by other companies. GAC has completed rail loops, and spur to connect its facilities to the existing nearby track.

　　GAC is also building port facilities including an unloading yard and an export pier at Kamsar, a well-established bauxite port on the coast.