🇬🇳 Guinea

Guinea holds an estimated two-thirds of the world's known bauxite reserves — the raw material for aluminum — making it one of the most mineral-rich countries on earth. This West African nation of 14 million has a GDP of about $16 billion. Despite the mineral wealth, Guinea remains one of the world's poorest countries. The Simandou iron ore deposit in southeastern Guinea is the largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit in the world, with an estimated 2 billion tonnes. A military junta has ruled since a 2021 coup. Conakry, the capital, is one of the wettest cities in Africa.

Bauxite mining accounts for about 80% of export revenue, with China as the dominant buyer. The Simandou project, decades in the making, is finally under construction with Chinese and Singaporean investment — it could double Guinea's GDP when operational. Gold and diamonds are also mined. Agriculture employs about 75% of the population but contributes only 25% of GDP. Infrastructure is minimal — the country has limited paved roads and unreliable electricity.

Guinea's Fouta Djallon highlands are the source of several major West African rivers, including the Niger, Senegal, and Gambia — it's called the "water tower of West Africa." The country was the only French colony to vote "no" in de Gaulle's 1958 referendum, choosing immediate independence — France retaliated by withdrawing all support and even ripping out telephone lines.

Guinea's mineral wealth is staggering, but the resource curse is real. Simandou could be transformative if the revenue is managed well — a big "if" under military rule.