Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), the master developer of ports and industrial zones in the emirate, has signed a pact with the Republic of Guinea to explore opportunities in mining ports.

The MoU was signed last night (November 25) by Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, the acting chief executive officer of ADPC and Mohamed LamineFofana, the Minister of Mines and Geology, the Republic of Guinea at a ceremony held in the UAE capital.

As per the one-year agreement, both parties will work together to explore opportunities of mutual benefit regarding mining ports in the Republic of Guinea.

Al Shamisi said ADPC’s significant range of port development and management experience, including the building and development of Khalifa Port and the creation of the new 53 km-long navigation channel to Musaffah Port in the industrial area of Abu Dhabi, has led to the new agreement.

“Bulk cargo has been handled through Zayed Port for more than 40 years, the Musaffah channel handled 4 million tonnes of bulk cargo alone last year and overall ADPC ports handled more than 7.5 million tonnes in 2012, with this figure set to increase in 2013.

Acording to him, Guinea is the world’s second largest producer of bauxite and holds perhaps up to one half of the world’s reserves.

"The Government anticipates a very significant increase in the volumes of bulk cargo exported in coming years. It is essential that the port is operationally equipped and effectively managed to achieve these export volumes," remarked Al Shamisi.

ADPC’s significant experience in the design, development, construction and operation of ports was noted as being a valuable and important element of the deal.

Bauxite and alumina are currently Guinea’s major exports. Bauxite is refined into alumina, which is later smelted into aluminium. The majority is currently exported to Russia, North America and Europe.-TradeArabia News Service