Ghana poised to tap into $34.1bn global salt industry-Jinapor
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, is optimistic that Ghana is poised to tap into the multibillion-dollar salt industry following the commissioning of Electrochem Salt Mine and Processing Plant.
Industry experts project that the size of the global salt market will grow from $34.1 billion in 2023 to $48.6 billion by 2030.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the Electrochem Salt Mine and Processing Plant in Ada, Jinapor said Ghana is now poised to export salt to Nigeria and other countries.
15-year mining lease
He disclosed that “After several engagements with relevant stakeholders and the payment of compensation to qualified applicants, Electrochem Ghana Ltd has been granted a 15-year mining lease for the commercial production of salt.
He anticipates that the commissioning of this plant and this mine, equipped with cutting-edge technology and machines, is expected to significantly boost production to meet both domestic and international demand.
“We at the ministry salute the exemplary leadership of Electrochem Ghana Ltd, led by its executive chairman, Dr Daniel McKorley, for partnering the government on this transformative undertaking. We thank the chiefs for their continuous support,” Jinapor said.
The use of salt for industrial, human and animal consumption purposes made it a highly strategic resource, which required significant investments to harness its commercial viability.
Electrochem Ghana Limited, the operators of the salt mine, is a subsidiary of the McDan Group of Companies and a wholly Ghanaian owned company.
41,000 acres
The Company was registered in 2017 and has secured the concession of 41,000 acres at Ada Songor.
650,000 metric tonnes current capacity
The Mine currently has the ability to produce some 650,000 metric tons of salt per annum and currently producing at 99.99% purity.
Caustic soda and other chemical products
In the medium term, the output will be increased substantially and part of it used to feed a chlor-alkali plant to produce caustic soda and other chemical products.
2m tonnes production by 2027
It is expected to increase its productive capacity to one million metric tons in 2024, and to two million metric tons by 2027, thereby becoming the biggest salt producing facility in Africa.
$88m investment
So far, some $88 million has been invested into the ultra-modern project, which covers the provision of a salt washing plant and its ancillary infrastructure and facilities.
World-class salt refinery and a chemical research university
Electrochem intends to build a world-class salt refinery and a chemical research university in Ada as part of the project.
7,000 direct jobs targeted
The eventual goal is to provide 7,000 direct jobs to the residents of the area, with 3,000 already employed following the completion of the first phase of the project.
Port to be constructed
The company intends to construct a port two kilometers away from the salt mine to alleviate the strain that carrying the salt will place on highways.
Facilities
The facilities include an astro turf football field, roads, scholarships, health clinics, schools, and potable water for the communities.
Electrochem Salt Mine is an example of what government policy backed by strong private sector participation can accomplish.
