BOKÉ MINING COMPANY ( SMB )

Bauxite is transformed into alumina in a refinery , and then transformed into aluminium with a smelter .

The journey from bauxite to aluminium is achieved by “ prudent , disciplined , quick and timely decisions ”. Lau explains : “ This is possible because of the mutual trust with the country [ Guinea ] and the people , and the consortium ’ s own fund , competence and skilled staff to physically construct the project without the need of external assistance .”

SMP-WAP stresses that its “ fast-track ” process does not come at the expense of corporate social responsibility . “ Fast-track is not achieved by cost saving ,” Lau says . “ In all aspects , the process is in compliance ‎of all regulations and CSR . We do this to unlock the country ’ s mineral and river transportation worth , and for the country to fund the development of other business sectors , like agriculture , industry and tourism .”

Custodians

Frédéric Bouzigues explains that SMB-WAP is heavily involved with the communities at all of its sites (“ near the river terminals , in extraction areas , in the construction of living and logistics bases ”).

The consortium mainly focuses on employment - SMB-WAP is committed to employ in all the localities in which the project operates . It has also built a literacy centre which enables young people without training to gain skills , then be hired by the consortium . In association with the Jiantsu Marine Institute , the Winning Group offers courses to train future Guinean tugboat and oceangoing ship sailors : a worldwide market .

Lau describes further community efforts . “ We support the state mineral reserves survey and initiated ,

78 June 2017