65 years of Guinea-China partnership: CDM's role in revolutionising mining and driving sustainable development

Guinea and China celebrated a historic milestone On October 4, 2024, as they commemorated 65 years of the reestablishment of their diplomatic relations. This enduring partnership, a cornerstone in sub-Saharan Africa, has thrived through collaboration in critical sectors such as education, health, energy, infrastructure, and mining. Among these, mining stands out as a transformative force, spurred by the significant influx of Chinese investments over the last two decades.  

From 2008 to 2017, China's involvement was embodied by major players such as Chalco, China Power Investment (CPI), and the Compagnie de Développement des Mines Internationales (CDM). CDM, a subsidiary of CHICO, a Henan-based Chinese state-owned enterprise, entered the Guinean mining scene in May 2008. In October 2010, it secured a concession to operate a bauxite mine across 488 square kilometres in Boké and Télimélé prefectures. With reserves of approximately 1.5 billion tons of gibbsite-type bauxite averaging 40.79 per cent alumina content, CDM began production in March 2017. Today, it employs 1,403 people, 90 per cent of whom are Guineans, underscoring its commitment to local employment.  

In 2024, CDM's production soared, exporting 6.82 million tonnes of bauxite from January to August. The company aims to reach 10 million tonnes by the year's end, reflecting its robust growth trajectory.