Bel-Air Bauxite Mine

The Bel-Air Bauxite Mine is a modern mining operation in the Boffa Prefecture, located directly on the coast of Maritime Guinea. Operated by Alufer Mining, the project is characterized by its strategic location immediately adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike inland mines, Bel-Air does not require extensive railway links, as the ore is transported via a short, dedicated haul road directly to its coastal terminal. Geographically, the mine sits on a plateau just a few kilometers from the sea. Mining is conducted through open-pit methods, and the bauxite is classified as Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) due to its high grade and low impurities. Since starting production in 2018, Bel-Air has significantly boosted Guinea's bauxite export capacity. Economically, the mine is a key driver for the Boffa region, creating jobs and investing in local infrastructure projects. A special focus is placed on minimizing environmental impacts on coastal ecosystems and cooperating with local fishing communities. Bel-Air serves as an example of a highly efficient, compact mining project that optimally utilizes the logistical advantages of the Guinean coastline.

Nearby cities

Kamsar

Kamsar is a major Atlantic port city, specifically built for exporting bauxite from the Sangarédi mines.

Fria

Fria is known as the first city in Africa to possess an alumina refinery.

Boké

Boké is a significant mining center in western Guinea, known for its massive bauxite deposits.

Kolaboui

Kolaboui is located in the Boké corridor and serves as an important logistical hub for transporting bauxite to the port of Kamsar.

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Sangarédi

Sangarédi is one of Guinea's most important mining towns and home to the world's largest bauxite mines.

Koundara

Koundara is located in the far northwest of Guinea near the border with Senegal.

Boffa

Boffa is a port city on the Atlantic coast, known for its fishing and historic role in overseas trade.

Gaoual

Gaoual is located in northwestern Guinea and is an important trade center for agricultural products in a drier region of the country.

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Bel Air Beach

A kilometers-long, brilliant white sand beach, often cited as the most beautiful mainland beach in Guinea.

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Cap Verga

A spectacular cape in the Boké region, famous for its dramatic cliffs and pristine sandy beaches.

Nature

Rio Nuñez

The Rio Nuñez is a tidal river in western Guinea.

Fatala

The Fatala River flows through the Boké region into the Atlantic.

More places

Port of Kamsar

The Port of Kamsar is one of Guinea's most important export ports, primarily used for shipping bauxite from the Sangarédi mines.

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Port of Dapilon

A modern river port in the Boké region, specifically developed for the large-scale export of bauxite by the SMB-Winning Consortium.

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Atlantic Ocean

The Guinean Atlantic coast stretches for hundreds of kilometers and is characterized by mangrove forests, river estuaries, and vast sandy…

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Port of Katougouma

A strategic inland port on the Rio Nuñez river, playing a key role in transporting bauxite from nearby mining areas to the global market.

Boffa Mission Station

Founded in 1877, the Catholic mission of Boffa was the first of its kind in Guinea.

Fort of Boké Museum

The museum is housed in a former French fort built in 1878.

Boké Lowlands

The flat coastal plain in northwestern Guinea, rich in mineral resources.

Tristao Islands

The Tristao Islands are located in the far northwest of the Guinean coast.