United Mining Supply (UMS) – Company Overview
Origins and Foundation
United Mining Supply (UMS) was founded in 2002 by Fadi Wazni, a prominent Franco-Guinean businessman of Lebanese descent, in Conakry, the capital of the Republic of Guinea. What began as a modest transport contractor has grown into one of West Africa's most consequential integrated logistics and industrial groups. The company's roots in the region run even deeper than its founding date, as the Wazni family has maintained commercial ties in Sub-Saharan Africa since as far back as 1920, when their grandfather first established a presence in the region. This long-standing connection to Guinea's economic landscape has given UMS a unique understanding of the local market, its infrastructure challenges, and the relationships needed to operate at scale.
Core Business and Services
At its heart, UMS is an integrated logistics solutions provider, with its activities primarily oriented toward the mining sector, large industrial projects, and public works. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to function as a seamless, end-to-end supply chain partner for its clients.
Transport and Logistics form the backbone of UMS's operations. The company manages heavy mining transport, hazardous material movement, fuel and heavy fuel oil (HFO) distribution, and food and non-food procurement and delivery. Its transport operations are governed by a rigorous step-by-step process involving coordination across multiple departments — from logistics planning and truck programming to technical preparation and HSSE compliance checks before every journey. Internally developed administrative tools allow for real-time monitoring of every shipment, providing clients with full visibility of their supply chains.
Procurement Services represent another major pillar. With over a decade of experience in local and international purchasing, UMS maintains a dedicated procurement team with deep knowledge of both Guinean and global supplier networks. The service includes daily monitoring of purchases and deliveries, with door-to-door delivery solutions that integrate seamlessly with the company's transport infrastructure.
Administrative and Human Resources Services round out the offering, providing clients with turn-key business solutions that cover everything from legal incorporation and HR management to medical assistance, housing support, and vehicles for senior staff movement. UMS also offers legal counsel through partnerships with qualified lawyers specializing in the mining industry.
Civil Engineering is an additional capability, with UMS actively participating in the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure — a critical need in Guinea's remote and rugged mining regions.
Aviation Services are delivered through the group's dedicated subsidiary, United Aviation Services (UAS), which holds an Air Operator Certificate (AOC/CTA) and provides specialized day-and-night air transport and regional logistics support.
Hydrocarbons and Energy Logistics are managed through UTS, a dedicated subsidiary handling the import, storage, distribution, and transport of petroleum products, with key partnerships including TotalEnergies and Vivo Energy.
Infrastructure and Scale
UMS operates from an impressive physical footprint. Its main logistics base in Conakry spans 11,000 square meters, complemented by a second Conakry base of 13,000 square meters and a 600-square-meter office facility. Smaller operational bases are maintained in Dinguiraye, Léro, and Kankan, with further expansion planned in N'Zérékoré and Kamsar. For long-term transport contracts, UMS establishes on-site logistics bases that provide daily delivery monitoring, quality and HSSE control, minor repairs, and rest facilities for drivers and trucks.
The company employs over 460 staff members — a figure that represents a 225% growth from its original 49 employees at founding — with approximately 98% of the workforce drawn from the local Guinean population, reflecting the company's strong commitment to national employment and community development.
Strategic Mining Stakes
Beyond its role as a service provider, UMS has evolved into a strategic equity stakeholder in some of Africa's most significant mining assets.
The company holds a 27% equity stake in Société Minière de Boké (SMB), the largest producer and exporter of bauxite on the African continent. UMS co-founded SMB alongside Singapore's Winning International Group (40.5%), China's Shandong Weiqiao/China Hongqiao (22.5%), and the Republic of Guinea (10%). Within this consortium, UMS manages overland ore transportation, coordinating a fleet of over 1,300 trucks and a network of local subcontractors to move millions of tons of bauxite annually.
UMS also holds a strategic stake in the Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), which is developing Blocks I and II of the Simandou deposit in southeastern Guinea — widely recognized as the world's largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserve. This $15 billion megaproject positions UMS at the center of what is expected to become a transformative chapter in global iron ore supply.
In 2021, UMS further expanded its industrial reach by acquiring Alteo, a French industrial manufacturing firm and global leader in specialty aluminas. This acquisition was a significant strategic milestone, connecting West African bauxite extraction with high-end European chemical refining and marking UMS's transition from a regional logistics operator to a vertically integrated international industrial group.
Quality, Compliance, and Values
UMS was the first transport company in Guinea to achieve ISO 9001 certification (Quality Management), awarded by Bureau Veritas, underscoring its commitment to international operational standards. The company also holds ICMI (International Cyanide Management Code) certification, qualifying it to handle and transport highly regulated hazardous processing agents used in mining operations.
The company's HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) program is a central pillar of its corporate culture. A dedicated HSSE team conducts ongoing training, sensitization programs, and compliance checks, working to ensure the safety of both employees and the communities in which UMS operates.
On the social front, UMS actively supports community development initiatives, including partnerships with local schools and sports organizations. Its HR policies emphasize internal promotion, career development, and access to social benefits — reflecting a belief that sustainable business growth must be built on the individual development of every employee.
Leadership
UMS is led by its founder, Fadi Wazni, who serves as CEO, President, and principal shareholder of UMS Africa Group and UMS International (UMSI). In addition to leading the company, Wazni chairs the Board of Directors of SMB and serves as the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Guinea. The group is governed by a collegial Board of Directors supported by specialized executive committees covering operations, cybersecurity, and corporate social responsibility.
From a Conakry transport firm to a cornerstone of West African industrial development, UMS stands today as a testament to strategic vision, operational discipline, and deep-rooted commitment to Guinea's economic future.