Wedoany.com Report-Dec.16, The Guinean government officially commenced construction of the Winning Consortium Alumina Guinea (WCAG) alumina refinery in Dobali, located in Boké prefecture, during a ceremony held on Friday.

Senior government representatives, diplomatic officials, industry partners, traditional authorities, and community members from Boké and the broader Lower Guinea region attended the event. The refinery is being developed through collaboration with WCAG.

The facility features an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of alumina and involves capital investment surpassing 1.2 billion U.S. dollars, making it one of the most substantial industrial undertakings in Guinea. It forms a central component of national efforts to enhance local processing of mineral resources and integrate further into the international aluminium supply chain.

The initiative aligns with the Simandou 2040 Sustainable and Responsible Socio-Economic Development Programme, which provides the framework for long-term national progress. The refinery supports key objectives related to industrial expansion, resource beneficiation, and infrastructure improvement.

Authorities noted that the project will contribute significantly to broadening the country's industrial foundation, increasing production capabilities, and fostering balanced economic advancement.

The WCAG refinery incorporates contemporary processing technologies, energy-efficient systems, and environmental practices in line with established international standards. Beyond expanding alumina production, it is anticipated to create numerous direct and indirect job opportunities, encourage local supplier participation, and enable knowledge and technology sharing, with primary economic advantages accruing to Boké and surrounding areas in Lower Guinea.

"What we are launching today is not merely a project; it is a vision, a transformation, and a promise fulfilled. This refinery marks a decisive step in Guinea's move further downstream within the global aluminium value chain. Guinea is no longer only a mining country, it is becoming an industrial nation," said Djiba Diakité, Minister Director of Cabinet of the President and chairperson of the Simandou Strategic Committee.

Construction activities have now begun, reflecting ongoing commitment to positioning major industrial developments as essential drivers of economic reform and growth in Guinea.