TIANSHAN ALUMINUM(SZ:002532) Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-05-22 13:27Core Viewpoint - The Guinean government has revoked 51 mining licenses, including those for bauxite, gold, diamonds, graphite, and iron ore, which significantly impacts the global supply of bauxite, a critical raw material for aluminum production [2][3]. Group 1: Mining Policy Changes - Guinea, as the world's second-largest bauxite producer, holds about 25% of global reserves, making its mining policies crucial for the industrial metal market [2]. - The Axis mining area, which has a projected bauxite output of approximately 23 million tons in 2024, has been ordered to halt operations, raising concerns about supply shortages [2][3]. - The Guinean transitional authorities have designated several mining areas, including Axis, as strategic reserve zones, indicating a long-term suspension of mining activities [3]. Group 2: Market Reactions - The revocation of mining licenses has led to panic in the market regarding bauxite supply disruptions, particularly affecting Chinese imports, which account for over 60% of Guinea's bauxite exports [5]. - Following the announcement, the CIF price of Guinean bauxite dropped to $70 per ton, while domestic alumina futures prices surged, with the main contract reaching a limit-up increase of over 6% shortly after the news [5]. - The SMM alumina index rose to 2988.65 yuan per ton on May 19, reflecting a 3.19% increase from earlier in the month, indicating rising production costs for aluminum [6]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The increase in alumina prices is expected to compress profit margins for electrolytic aluminum producers in China, potentially impacting 45 million tons of production capacity [6]. - The changes in Guinea's mining policies are seen as a move to secure more benefits for the local government ahead of the upcoming elections in December 2025, reflecting a trend of resource nationalism [7]. - Chinese companies, such as Tianshan Aluminum, are adapting by securing local mining rights and establishing production capabilities in Guinea to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions [7][8]. Group 4: Strategic Considerations - The aluminum industry must navigate the risks posed by resource nationalism and the changing political landscape in Guinea, which could lead to increased operational uncertainties [8][9]. - Companies are advised to enhance their assessment of the impacts of mining policy changes on their operations and to diversify their resource acquisition strategies to ensure supply chain stability [9].