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Bauxite

Bauxite is a sedimentary rock and the primary ore from which aluminium is extracted. It consists mainly of aluminium hydroxide minerals, including gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore, mixed with iron oxides, clays and other impurities that give it a characteristic reddish-brown colour. The ore forms through the weathering of aluminium-rich rocks in tropical and subtropical climates over millions of years. Bauxite is mined using openpit methods in countries across Africa, South America, Asia and Australia, with Guinea, Australia, China, Brazil and India among the world's largest producers. The ore is processed through the Bayer process to produce alumina (aluminium oxide), which is then smelted using electrolysis to yield metallic aluminium. Bauxite mining and alumina refining are energy-intensive operations that require substantial infrastructure, including rail and port facilities for export. The aluminium derived from bauxite is used extensively in transport, construction, packaging, electrical transmission and consumer goods due to its light weight, strength and corrosion resistance. Global demand for bauxite is driven by aluminium consumption in automotive, aerospace and renewable-energy sectors. Major bauxite deposits in Africa include those in Guinea, Ghana, Mozambique and Cameroon, where projects are at various stages of development and production. The commodity is typically priced on a cost-plus basis linked to alumina and aluminium prices on international markets.

Bauxite News


Alumina 'red mud' tailings site in Louisiana
Colorado School of Mines, ElementUSA awarded US gov funding to recover rare earths from alumina tailings
3rd June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Research university Colorado School of Mines and mid-stream minerals processing company ElementUSA have been awarded $67-million in funding from the US Department of Energy (DoE) to build a plant... 


The Simandou iron-ore operation in Guinea
Guinea’s Simandou iron exports surge six months after first ore
3rd June 2026 By: Bloomberg

Exports from Guinea’s Simandou iron-ore project surged in May, six months after the first shipment to China, marking a milestone in the ramp-up of the high-grade mine that has the potential to... 


Two Gentlemen in suits shaking hands at the 2025 WAMPEX
WAMPEX growth leads to new venue, more visitors
29th May 2026 By: Halima Frost

This year’s West African Mining & Power Expo (WAMPEX), which is endorsed by the Ghanaian Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, will convene over 6 000 mining professionals while celebrating its... 


Copper cathode produced in the DRC
China’s Jinchuan says $145m missing in Congo mine probe
26th May 2026 By: Bloomberg

Jinchuan Group International Resources Co said an independent probe found that nearly $145-million was siphoned from its copper and cobalt operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo through... 


A bauxite mine in Guinea
Chalco agrees to build alumina plant in Guinea for $1bn
22nd May 2026 By: Bloomberg

Aluminum Corp of China, the country’s largest State-owned producer of the lightweight metal, has agreed to invest $1-billion in an alumina plant in Guinea to tap local bauxite resources. Chalco, as... 


Bauxite ore in hand
Brazilian Rare Earths announces newco spinout to manage bauxite project
19th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed Brazilian Rare Earths (BRE) has announced plans to demerge its 100%-owned Amargosa bauxite/gallium project in Brazil, into a newly formed ASX-listed company called Alurion Resources.... 


Location map of the Minim Martap project
Minim Martap bauxite project, Cameroon – update
15th May 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Canyon Resources has further strengthened the logistics platform. 


A Minim Martap
Canyon shores up rail, port influence for Cameroon project
8th May 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

ASX-listed Canyon Resources’ in-country subsidiary Camalco Cameroon has increased its equity holding in Camrail from 9.1% to 26.9% through a cash consideration of about A$23.8-million, representing... 


Republic of Guinea, GAC, EGA reach agreement
Republic of Guinea, GAC, EGA reach agreement
6th May 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Guinea, represented by its Minister of Mines and Geology Bouna Sylla, has reached an amicable settlement with Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to definitively... 


Forest in Venezuela
Venezuela gazettes new 'investor friendly' mining law
6th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Venezuela's new mining law, 'Ley Orgánica de Minas' has been formally enacted and gazetted. TSX-V-listed Roland Mineral Enterprises says the new mining law represents a significant step in... 


Arrow Minerals samples from Guinea
Arrow signs MoU with Guinea mineral rights manager to get clarity on permits, buys into Aus copper project
28th April 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Having suspended all of its Guinea-based activities owing to uncertainty over exploration permits last year, ASX-listed Arrow Minerals has now signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a... 


Mining leaders to explore resource nationalism and licence security at arbitration conference
24th April 2026

With a growing number of African nations seeking to assert greater control over their natural resources, the resulting renegotiation of mining deals has, in certain instances, created significant... 


Integrated Pump Technology advances Mine Dewatering across Africa
Integrated Pump Technology advances Mine Dewatering across Africa
24th April 2026

Integrated Pump Technology is playing a critical role in helping mining operations across Africa remain productive in the face of persistent groundwater ingress - both on surface and underground.... 


Weir builds sustainable mining performance through local presence in West Africa
Weir builds sustainable mining performance through local presence in West Africa
24th April 2026

Across West Africa’s rapidly evolving mining sector, proximity, responsiveness and technical depth have become decisive factors in supplier selection. For Weir, this has translated into a... 


Why Ghana’s mines need unified onboarding – quicker mobilisation, safer operations, one standard
Why Ghana’s mines need unified onboarding – quicker mobilisation, safer operations, one standard
22nd April 2026

By: Roscoe Bremer - Business Development Executive at KBC Health & Safety Ghana’s mining industry is one of Africa’s most established and economically significant. Gold leads production, but... 


Mining Leaders to Explore Resource Nationalism and Licence Security at Arbitration Conference
Mining Leaders to Explore Resource Nationalism and Licence Security at Arbitration Conference
22nd April 2026

With a growing number of African nations seeking to assert greater control over their natural resources, the resulting renegotiation of mining deals has, in certain instances, created significant... 


Rio Tinto iron-ore piles in Pilbara
Rio Tinto flags possible supply chain risks, posts higher Q1 iron-ore sales
21st April 2026 By: Reuters

Miner Rio Tinto warned on April 21 of limited visibility on the effects of the Middle East war on its supply chains in the second half of the 2026 financial year, but stronger production from its... 


Canyon CEO resigns
13th April 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Peter Secker has tendered his resignation as CEO of ASX-listed Canyon Resources CEO, citing personal reasons. He will, however, remain in his role over the coming months to lead Canyon through the... 


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pqt: 0.031s - ct: 1.21s - 105pq - 2rq
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