What bauxite strategy did French aluminium producers adopt? From the pretence of a monopoly to lost opportunities (1890-2000)

摘要

France was the cradle of bauxite. Until the First World War, it easily dominated the world market because of the size of its mined deposits. Paradoxically, French aluminium producers, despite being at the sector's leading edge, did not take advantage of this virtual monopoly to shore up their positions on the international scene. Furthermore, on the eve of the First World War, foreign producers increased their grip on French bauxite. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that a "bauxite" strategy was outlined in the French aluminium industry. The mam producer, AFC, which became Pechiney in 7950, realised that France's ore reserves were insufficient to meet its growth needs. The group began by gradually taking over French bauxite resources. Above all, a period of international expansion began, first in Africa (Guinea) then in Australia (Queensland). However, the results would fall short of the group's ambitions. By the early 1970s, it must be acknowledged that the "bauxite" strategy had fizzled out, swallowed up by the failure of the overseas adventures and by Pechmey's new industrial priorities.