Guinea is seeking to establish itself as West Africa’s leading gold refining center as governments across the region move to process more minerals domestically instead of exporting raw materials. Mines Minister Bouna Sylla said the country’s newly built refinery, among the largest in Africa, is capable of handling output from across the region. Developed through a $30 million public-private partnership, the refinery will begin commercial operations in July with an initial annual capacity of 530 metric tons, rising to 733 metric tons at full production. Officials are also preparing reforms to formalize artisanal mining and improve supply chain traceability, positioning Guinea to compete with Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso in the growing regional refining industry.