18 July 2026 – Thiam & Associés advised Chalco, alongside Gide, on the Guinean law aspects of its Boffa alumina refinery project (Republic of Guinea), a strategic investment of approximately USD 1.68 billion and the first alumina refinery developed by the Chinalco Group outside China.
Guinea holds the world’s largest bauxite reserves; the development of local refining capacity forms part of the country’s policy of processing mineral resources domestically, with the aim of capturing more value before export. The project, which targets annual production of 1.2 million tonnes of alumina, is expected to be a significant driver of local employment and industrial development in the Boffa region. The amended and restated mining convention was signed on 21 May 2026, and construction works began on 13 June 2026.
The firm also advised Zoomlion, a Chinese group specialising in construction and material-handling equipment, on its establishment in Côte d’Ivoire, with a team led by Dr. Albert Dioné and Joane-Dominique Bah — a transaction that reflects the growing intensity of Sino-African investment flows on which the firm is regularly positioned.