CCP Inc. in West Africa: How Chinese Party-State Actors Secured Critical Minerals in Guinea

This CCP Inc. case study explores how Chinese diplomatic, regulatory, financial, and commercial actors work in concert to secure critical minerals in the West African nation of Guinea. Efforts in Guinea to mine bauxite and iron ore, the primary inputs for aluminum and steel, illuminate Beijing’s conduits for influencing and supporting its geo-economic objectives. Examining one key Chinese player in Guinea’s mining sector, this study highlights state actors’ connections with nominally private Chinese companies and the importance of partnerships with state-owned enterprises for building costly infrastructure. Across multiple bauxite and iron ore mining ventures, Chinese diplomatic support and state financing provided conduits to help further favored projects and increase Chinese companies’ access to Guinea’s mining industries.  

This report was made possible through the generous support of the Smith Richardson Foundation.

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Briana Boland

Briana Boland

Former Research Associate, Freeman Chair in China Studies
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Lauren Maranto

Lauren Maranto

Former Program Manager, Freeman Chair in China Studies
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Jude Blanchette

Jude Blanchette

Former Freeman Chair in China Studies