Guinea: Anti-President Protests and a Scramble for Bauxite

Recent clashes between police and striking workers demanding the resignation of ailing Guinean President Lansana Conte have disrupted bauxite mining in the country. Guinea — the world's second-largest producer of the mineral — hosts three significant bauxite mining operations, two of which are controlled by the Kremlin-favored Russian Aluminum Group (RUSAL). Output halted Jan. 22 at Guinea's largest facility, a consortium led by U.S. firm Alcoa and Canada's Alcan Inc., while RUSAL's output has continued despite the strikes. Should Conte die or be otherwise removed from office, the country likely will see political and economic reforms that could change Guinea's bauxite mining concessions. However, RUSAL, which aims to become the world's largest aluminum company, will act to ensure such reforms are in its favor.