Business Times Issue 102 | Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee| Oct'23

DRIVING MINING EXCELLENCE

THE

ONGOING SUCCESS OF COMPAGNIE DES BAUXITES DE GUINEE

COMPAGNIE DES BAUXITES DE GUINEÉ

COMPAGNIE BAUXITES GUINEÉ

Project by: Malvern Kandemwa

Words by: Michelle Duncan

DRIVING MINING EXCELLENCE

THE ONGOING SUCCESS OF COMPAGNIE DES BAUXITES DE GUINEE

49% OWNED BY THE GUINEAN STATE

18.5M+ TONS OF BAUXITE EXPORTED ANNUALLY

Guinea is a small West African country that holds the world’s largest reserves of bauxite, the raw material for aluminium production. Bauxite is a vital resource for the global economy, as aluminium is most used in various industries ranging from transportation and construction to packaging and electronics. However, for a long time, Guinea has been exporting its bauxite in its raw form, without adding much value to it locally. This has limited the benefits of the mining sector for the country’s development and diversification.

This situation is changing under the leadership of Souleymane Traore, the CEO of Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee (CBG), the largest bauxite producer and ex-

porter in Guinea. Traore, who took over the helm of CBG in 2017, has a vision to transform the company and the industry into a more sustainable, responsible, and profitable one. He has initiated several projects and initiatives to modernise CBG’s operations, improve its infrastructure, optimise its supply chain, and support local communities and the environment.

Under the astute leadership of CEO Souleymane Traore, CBG has not only revolutionised the landscape of mining operations but also upheld a commitment to technological transformation, improved infrastructure, responsible procurement, and efficient supply chain management. One of the key projects that Traore has spearheaded is the expansion of CBG’s production capacity from 15 million tons per year to 18.5 million tons per year. The project completed in 2021, involved upgrading CBG’s mining equipment, railway network, port facilities and processing plant. The expansion has increased CBG’s efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in the global market, as well as its contribution to Guin-

Souleymane Traore, CEO of Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee

HOWEVER, FOR A LONG TIME, GUINEA HAS BEEN EXPORTING ITS BAUXITE IN ITS RAW FORM, WITHOUT ADDING MUCH VALUE TO IT LOCALLY. THIS HAS LIMITED THE BENEFITS OF THE MINING SECTOR

ea’s revenue and employment.

Another project that Traore has championed is the development of a local alumina refinery in partnership with the Guinean government and other stakeholders. Alumina is the intermediate product obtained from bauxite after refining it. It then smelted into aluminium metal. By building an alumina refinery in Guinea, CBG aims to add more value to its bauxite locally, create more jobs and skills, and reduce its dependence on foreign markets. The refinery project is currently in the feasibility stage and expected to have a capacity of 1.5 million tons per year.

Traore is also committed to making CBG a more responsible and sustainable company that respects the highest standards of health, safety, environmental and social performance. He has implemented several policies and programs to ensure that CBG operates in harmony with its stakeholders, especially the local communities affected by its activities. For instance, he has launched a community development fund that invests in various projects such as education, health, water, sanitation, and agriculture. He has also supported the creation and training of micro-enterprises that provide goods and services to CBG and other customers.

Moreover, he has promoted the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services by initiating a reforestation campaign that aims to plant one million trees by 2025.

TRAORE IS ALSO COMMITTED TO MAKING CBG A MORE RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE COMPANY THAT RESPECTS THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PERFORMANCE.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION AND ENHANCED PERFORMANCE IN CBG MINING OPERATIONS

In the contemporary mining landscape, the integration of technology has emerged as a pivotal driver of operational excellence and improved performance. Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG), guided by its visionary leadership, has harnessed the power of technology to transform its mining operations, resulting in heightened efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

CBG’s journey towards technology transformation is a testament to its commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Under the strategic guidance of its leadership, the company has embraced a diverse array of technological innovations, reshaping the way mining operations are conducted. The integration of innovative tools and systems has streamlined processes, enhanced data analytics, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.

At the core of CBG’s technology transformation is the utilisation of data analytics. Through real-time data collection and analysis, the company gains invaluable insights into various aspects of its operations. These insights enable CBG to make informed decisions, optimise production processes, and identify areas for enhancement. From predicting equipment maintenance needs to forecasting resource require -

ments, data analytics empower CBG to operate with precision and foresight.

Technology has significantly elevated safety standards within CBG’s mining operations. The implementation of advanced sensors, wearables, and monitoring systems has enabled real-time tracking of employee activities and environmental conditions. This initiative-taking approach to safety minimises risks, reduces accidents, and ensures the well-being of the workforce. In an industry known for its inherent hazards, CBG’s technology-driven safety measures set a new benchmark for responsible mining practices.

Automation is another cornerstone of CBG’s technology transformation. Through the deployment of autonomous machinery and equipment, the company has not only boosted operational efficiency but also reduced reliance on manual labour in potentially hazardous environments. Automated processes ensure consistent and precise execution, leading to improved productivity and resource utilisation. This streamlined approach minimises downtime, increases throughput, and optimises overall output. These are some of the ways that CBG has leveraged technology transformation to improve its performance and achieve its vision of becoming a more modern, efficient, and responsible company that delivers value not only to its shareholders, but also to its employees, customers, partners, and communities.

SUSTAINABILITY AS A DRIVING FORCE

CBG’s technology transformation aligns seamlessly with its commitment to sustainability. By embracing energy-efficient technologies and minimising resource wastage, the company reduces its environmental footprint. The integration of technology allows CBG to track energy consumption, monitor emissions, and implement eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. This sustainable approach not only

resonates with global environmental concerns but also enhances the company’s social responsibility.

CBG aims to “minimise the environmental impact of our activities, respect human rights, support local communities and contribute to social and economic development.”

Some of the sustainability initiatives that CBG has been implementing a Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and restore the natural habitats affected by mining activities. CBG has partnered with local and interna-

tional organisations to monitor the biodiversity status and implement conservation measures. Developing a Water Management Plan to optimise the use of water resources and reduce the potential impacts on water quality and availability. CBG has installed water metres, improved water treatment facilities, reduced water consumption and increased water recycling. Adopting a Climate Change Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change impacts. CBG has invest-

ed in energy efficiency projects, renewable energy sources, carbon offsetting programmes and climate risk assessments and promoting a Social Licence to Operate by engaging with stakeholders, respecting human rights, supporting local communities, and creating shared value. CBG has established a grievance mechanism, conducted social impact assessments, supported local development projects, and provided employment and training opportunities.

IMPROVEMENT CULTURE

CBG’s technology transformation embodies a culture of continuous improvement with the leadership’s forward-thinking approach encouraging innovation and the exploration of emerging technologies. By fostering an environment where employees are empowered to propose and implement tech-driven solutions, CBG remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée’s journey of technology transformation within its mining operations and its leadership serves as an inspiring case study for the mining industry at large. The company’s embrace of data analytics, automation, and safety measures driven by technology has not only improved operational efficiency but has also elevated safety standards and sustainability practices. CBG’s approach exemplifies the potential of technology to revolutionise traditional industries, demonstrating that harnessing innovation can lead to enhanced performance responsible resource management, and a brighter future for both the company and the world.

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