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Minimising negative impacts of bauxite mining in Guinea

Aluminium is an important part of many components used by companies in the energy sector. Among others, aluminium is used for cables, underconstructions for solar panels, as well as cladding, generators and other components of wind turbines.

The mining of bauxite – the raw material used to produce aluminium – can pose serious human rights risks. These include forced resettlements, lacking or insufficient compensation, as well as environmental damage that deprives local communities of their livelihoods. Further risks exist with regard to health and safety, for example from noise, vibrations, dust and polluted water, as well as restricted freedom of association and deficits in occupational health and safety in bauxite mining.

In light of these risks, a working group of the Energy Sector Dialogue has, since January 2024, been focusing specifically on the aluminium supply chain.

The aim is to implement preventive and remedial measures in the bauxite mining regions, together with local stakeholders and mining companies. In addition, the creation of responsible procurement practices and cooperation with suppliers is intended to contribute to the prevention and mitigation of human rights risks in the upstream segment of the supply chain.

Collective implementation of preventive and remedial measures in Guinea

Guinea is the world's leading exporter of bauxite. In Germany more than 90% of the processed Bauxite originate from the western African country. Several reports point to human rights and environmental risks in Guinean bauxite mining. The working group carried out an in-depth risk analysis for bauxite mining in Guinea, involving affected rightsholders and their representatives. In particular, negative impacts in the areas of land rights, environment and health were identified.

The working group simultaneously conducted an assessment of relevant mining standards with regard to their effectiveness in addressing these negative impacts.

In November 2024, the industry dialogue invited a delegation of civil society representatives and rightsholders from Guinea to discuss the impacts of bauxite mining and to jointly develop approaches for effective prevention and mitigative measures.

Based on these findings, a concept for mitigative measures was developed together with rightsholders and in cooperation with other industries. Its implementation in collaboration with a mining company and local stakeholders is planned for 2026.

Responsible procurement of aluminium-containing cables

Cables are one of the key products for the energy industry in which aluminium is used. Hence, the Energy Sector Dialogue has developed a set of tools to support companies in the responsible procurement of cables. Member companies are currently piloting the developed tools. The piloting is supported by peer-learning formats.

In October 2025, the sector dialogue invited cable suppliers to reflect on current procurement practices and discuss human rights risks in the supply chain. In 2026, this exchange is to be continued in order to jointly develop preventive measures.

The fact sheet below provides information on the measures to be prepared and implemented by the working group in 2024 and 2025:

Further Information