【SMM Aluminum Flash News】Strategic Bauxite advances Guyana mine expansion with US-backed $150m investment

The United Nations has selected six countries across Africa and Asia to receive support in capturing greater value from critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced on Wednesday that the initiative will initially benefit Indonesia, Zambia, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Nigeria. UN agencies will coordinate their efforts to help these nations develop relevant industries. Zambia is Africa's second-largest copper producer, while Zimbabwe is a major supplier of battery-grade lithium on the continent. Indonesia is the world's largest nickel producer, and Guinea is the leading producer of bauxite, while also possessing untapped critical mineral resources. Madagascar holds reserves of cobalt, graphite, and nickel. Nigeria's mineral resources remain largely undeveloped.

Odisha’s aluminium story is gaining another significant raw-material link, with the state government committing to provide local bauxite for Vedanta’s alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi. The commitment came during a September 26 meeting between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal, as both sides discussed accelerating the company’s proposed INR 1 trillion (USD 10.42 billion) aluminium investments in the state. The focus on bauxite security is particularly relevant for Vedanta’s integrated aluminium operations in Odisha, where Lanjigarh serves as a major alumina-producing asset. The latest commitment comes alongside plans for new large-scale aluminium and alumina capacity in the state.

Greenland’s newly signed security agreement is bringing fresh attention to the island’s critical-minerals potential — and AnorTech is positioning its sustainable alumina project to benefit from the stronger investment environment. AnorTech has welcomed the Greenland Security Agreement signed by Greenland, Denmark and the United States at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, saying the framework could strengthen the environment for critical-mineral development and secure supply chains. For AnorTech, the development comes as it advances its Gronne Bjerg anorthosite project and works towards commercialising a portfolio that includes zero-waste smelter-grade alumina (SGA) and high-purity alumina (HPA). The company said the agreement strengthens regional defence cooperation, affirms Greenland’s sovereignty and self-determination, and recognises the strategic importance of critical-mineral projects. AnorTech President Jim Cambon said the company expects increased investment in Greenland’s critical-mineral projects to follow.