Conakry, Guinea - (May 17, 2002) Earlier today, a U.S. Trade and Development Agency grant was awarded to Guinea Aluminum Products Corporation S.A.R.L. in the amount of $507,236 to fund a feasibility study relating to the Port of Kamsar. U.S. Ambassador R. Barrie Walkley signed on behalf of the United States and Bruce J. Wrobel, President, signed on behalf of Guinea Aluminum. The grant signing ceremony took place at the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea. Attendees included Embassy staff, representatives from Guinea Aluminum Products Corporation S.A.R.L., and local members of the press.

TDA funding will provide for a study on the upgrading of a commercial port and construction of an alumina export terminal in Kamsar, Guinea. The modifications to the port and the construction of an alumina export terminal will provide the critical transportation infrastructure needed for the refinery. The completed project will have a significant positive impact upon the Guinean economy once fully implemented.

Guinea Aluminum Products Corporation S.A.R.L. is currently involved in the development of a 2.6 million ton per year alumina refinery to be built adjacent to the bauxite mining operations of Compagnie des Bauxite de Guinea (CBG). CBG is a consortium consisting of the Government of Guinea and five major aluminum companies. CBG is managed by Alcoa and currently operates one of the largest bauxite surface mining operations in the world.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation by helping U.S. companies pursue business opportunities in developing and middle income countries. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, we help American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity building initiatives and supports U.S. government trade, economic policy and development objectives around the world.

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