Chinese embassy backs Guinea’s mining reforms, urges compliance from Chinese firms

As the Guinean government intensifies its sweeping review of mining licenses, the Chinese Embassy in Conakry has publicly expressed its support for the legal reforms while urging Chinese companies operating in the country to respect national laws and fulfill their commitments.

Speaking during a “friendly exchange forum with the Guinean press” held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Chinese Ambassador and his team addressed growing concerns over the recent wave of permit withdrawals affecting both Guinean and foreign companies.

MAO Shanshui, Economic and Commercial Attaché at the Chinese Embassy, acknowledged that several Chinese firms were among those impacted by the government’s decision.

He emphasized that the embassy respects Guinea’s sovereign right to enforce its mining regulations.

“The withdrawal of permits concerns some Chinese companies.

The Minister Secretary General of the Presidency of Guinea, Mr. Amara Camara, mentioned that the Guinean government took these actions in accordance with the mining code.

Therefore, the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese government ask Chinese companies in Guinea to respect the laws and regulations in force in Guinea and their commitments with the Guinean government,” he stated.

Mr. Mao also highlighted the long-standing economic relationship between China and Guinea, especially in the mining sector.

He pointed to significant Chinese investment in bauxite and iron ore projects, including the multi-billion-dollar Simandou development.

“Guinea is rich in natural resources, particularly minerals. Several Chinese companies exploit bauxite and iron there, particularly as part of the Simandou project.

The Chinese government and Chinese companies attach great importance to the development of Guinea through the development of its resources,” he said.

He further noted the broader contributions of Chinese firms to the country’s development: “These companies have continually provided vocational training to Guinean employees, thus promoting the transfer of technology and the strengthening of national capacities.

They have also contributed, to the extent of their means, to the development of local communities and the transformation of Guinean mineral resources…”

The Guinean government has cited non-compliance with legal obligations and delays in project execution as key reasons for revoking mining permits.

The move is widely seen as part of a broader push by the transitional government to bring greater transparency and accountability to one of the country’s most lucrative sectors.

China remains one of Guinea’s largest economic partners, particularly in mining, and the embassy’s measured stance signals a willingness to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment while maintaining strong bilateral ties.

Source: mediaguinee