Guinea has inaugurated its first gold refinery as the government moves to require domestic processing of gold produced across the country. The facility has the capacity to process up to 733 tons annually and produce refined gold bars. The initiative follows regulations introduced in July requiring gold producers, including artisanal miners and major mining companies, to refine their output locally. However, the government implemented a 90-day transition period to enable producers to continue exporting unrefined gold while preparing to meet the requirements. Separately, the government has proposed that the central bank purchase up to 30% of industrial and semi-industrial gold production on behalf of the state. It is, however, unclear whether that supply will feed the new plant.