11 September, 2013

Allen & Overy has advised CPI International Minerals Co. Ltd., (CPIIM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Power Investment Corporation, on the conclusion of the mining convention for CPIIM’s world-scale alumina project in the Republic of Guinea.

The convention, which was signed in Conakry, the capital, on 6 September 2013, constitutes a cornerstone for the USD6 billion project which encompasses a bauxite mining operation with an annual target production volume of 4m tonnes; a world class alumina refinery; and a range of associated infrastructure including a dedicated deep water port and coal-fired power plant which will provide additional power to Conakry.

Commenting on the transaction, Allen & Overy partner Matthias Voss said: “This is the first mining convention signed in Guinea since the comprehensive overhaul of the country’s mining legislation under President Alpha Condé. With a team comprising experienced specialists from four offices – Beijing, Paris, Tokyo and Perth – this transaction demonstrates our ability to seamlessly apply truly global expertise to a highly complex resource and infrastructure project.”

Alexandre Ancel added: “We are proud to have been able to assist CPIIM in negotiating the terms of its cooperation with the Republic of Guinea. This extraordinary project constitutes a milestone for the future development of the Republic of Guinea by providing some 8,000 local jobs and urgently required vital infrastructure.”

The Allen & Overy team was led by partners Matthias Voss (Beijing/Tokyo) and Alexandre Ancel (Paris), supported by partner Meredith Campion (Perth) and associates Marie-Adélaide de Fleurieu, Wang Xue, Frédérique Dugué and Kristin Northway.

The Government of Guinea was advised by King & Spalding and Mohamed Sidiki Sylla of Guinea firm, Sylla & Partners.

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