(Ecofin Agency) - Arrow Minerals is making significant strides in the bauxite mining sector with its Niagara bauxite project in Guinea. The Australian company launched its initial drilling program earlier this year, aiming to tap into Guinea's vast bauxite reserves, which rank as the third largest globally.

On November 25, 2024, Arrow Minerals announced the results of its first drilling program at the Niagara site, confirming the presence of bauxite mineralization. This discovery positions Arrow to potentially become a key player among bauxite producers in West Africa. The company plans to conduct an initial mineral resource estimate in the coming months, which will inform an exploratory study set for the first half of 2025. This study will evaluate the economic viability of the project, including production capacity and necessary investments for mine development.

In addition to its activities in Guinea, Arrow has initiated discussions with potential customers in China, laying the groundwork for future bauxite sales agreements. “The Niagara bauxite project presents an excellent opportunity to create value for shareholders, generate jobs in local communities and consistent with Arrow's goal of establishing itself as a new and independent significant, high-quality bauxite supplier,” commented David Flanagan, Managing Director of Arrow Minerals. 

Guinea being the world's second-largest producer of bauxite—an essential mineral for aluminum production—the implications of Arrow's findings could be substantial. Guinea exported 102.28 million tonnes of bauxite in 2022, primarily to China. 

The Guinean government also strives to develop a local bauxite processing industry to enhance mining revenues.  According to the IMF, mining accounted for 21% of Guinea’s GDP and 90% of its exports in 2022. Recent increases in alumina and aluminum prices are expected to motivate further investment in local processing facilities.

Emiliano Tossou