Keypoints:
- Landaya Gold is owned 50:50
- Venture targets Guinean gold discoveries
- Nimba accelerates push beyond bauxite
GUINEA has stepped up its push into gold exploration by establishing an equally owned joint venture with Australian miner Resolute Mining, giving the state a direct platform to pursue new projects as it seeks to diversify beyond its dominant bauxite industry.
The new venture, Landaya Gold SAS, brings together state-backed Nimba Mining Gold and Resolute in a 50:50 partnership. It will assess, explore and potentially develop identified gold-bearing areas across Guinea, moving an earlier memorandum of understanding into the formal establishment of a joint venture.
From MOU to gold venture
Reuters reported that the partners signed Landaya Gold’s statutes on August 13, marking a significant advance from the preliminary agreement reached in March as the remaining incorporation formalities are completed.
The venture is headquartered in Conakry and is intended to combine Resolute’s technical and operating experience with Nimba’s expanding role as Guinea’s national mining champion.
Nimba says the name Landaya means ‘trust’ in one of Guinea’s local languages, reflecting what the partners describe as a long-term approach to developing the country’s gold potential.
The development follows Africa Briefing’s August 12 report on Nimba’s expansion beyond bauxite into alumina, gold and base metals while building annual bauxite production towards at least 14m tonnes over the medium term.
Guinea widens state mining role
Gold is becoming a more visible part of Conakry’s effort to capture greater value from its mineral wealth.
Guinea is already one of the world’s leading bauxite producers, while the Simandou iron ore development is reshaping the country’s infrastructure and mining ambitions.
Africa Briefing has also reported on the government’s efforts to exert tighter control over bauxite production as authorities seek a larger state role across the extractive sector.
Landaya gives Nimba a dedicated vehicle through which Guinea can participate directly in identifying and advancing commercial gold projects alongside an experienced international operator.
Nimba Managing Director Patrice L’Huillier said the partnership was expected to help build local expertise while creating long-term value for the state and communities.
Resolute deepens West Africa strategy
For Resolute, Guinea adds another potential growth platform to an established West African portfolio.
The Australian-listed miner operates the Syama gold mine in Mali and the Mako mine in Senegal, while developing the Doropo gold project in Cote d’Ivoire.
Reuters said Resolute sees the Guinea partnership as supporting its wider regional growth strategy at a time when West African governments are seeking larger roles in mining while international producers reassess where to commit capital.
Guinea’s approach is increasingly centred on building Nimba into a commercially active state miner rather than relying solely on taxes, royalties and minority interests in foreign-led projects.
Gold push takes shape
Landaya remains an exploration and development venture rather than a producing mine. Its commercial significance will ultimately depend on the quality of the gold assets identified, exploration results and subsequent investment decisions.
But the venture gives Guinea a clearer route into a commodity long overshadowed by bauxite and iron ore in the country’s industrial mining story.
For Nimba, it also makes the diversification strategy more tangible, with the state miner now formalising a dedicated vehicle for its gold ambitions.
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