Shandong Gold Group to pour first gold in Ghana in 2024, plans airport in Bolgatanga

In a highly fruitful meeting, Mr. Hang Li, the General Manager of Shandong Gold Group, the parent company of Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd., has reassured the Government of Ghana of their unwavering commitment to initiate gold production at the Namdini project by the end of the coming year.

The project is located in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.

Mr. Hang Li expressed their dedication to this goal during a productive meeting held at the company’s headquarters in Jinan, located in the Shandong Province of China.

The commitment is deeply embedded in the company’s strategic plan to pour gold by the fourth quarter of 2024, with its management in China working closely with their Ghanaian team to ensure the promise is fulfilled.

This significant announcement follows a working visit by Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament (MP), who urged Shandong Gold Group to expedite their work on the construction of the mine.

His visit to China was in response to an invitation from China’s Minister for Natural Resources, Wang Guanghua, to participate in the 25th China Mining Conference and Exhibition, scheduled from October 26-28, 2023, in Tianjin.

This conference, recognized as one of the mining industry’s premier events, serves as a platform to discuss various aspects of mining, including investment, sustainable and innovative mining practices, and emerging industry trends, bringing together government officials, investors, and industry experts.

Shandong Gold Group, the largest mining company in China, has consistently ranked among the top ten global gold enterprises for two consecutive years.

Their project in Ghana, the Cardinal Namdini project, is currently in the construction phase, following the relocation of affected communities last year.

Projections indicate that this mine will yield approximately 1.1 million ounces of gold in its initial three years of operation, positioning it as the third-largest mine in the country.

Speaking at the high-level meeting, Mr. Hang Li, who also serves as the Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party Committee, emphasized the paramount importance of the Cardinal Namdini project to the company.

He highlighted the commitment to implement eco-friendly mining practices in Ghana, aiming to set a noteworthy example for responsible mining across Africa.

Additionally, Mr. Li revealed discussions were underway regarding the construction of an airport in Bolgatanga, a move intended to streamline transportation to and from the region.

Minister Jinapor underlined the Ghanaian government’s readiness to provide unwavering support to ensure that gold production at the Namdini project commences promptly next year.

He emphasized the project’s significance, not only for Ghana’s position as a leading gold producer on the continent but also for the substantial economic impact it will have on the northern part of the country.

He called on the company’s management to extend their full support to the Ghanaian team in delivering on their promise.

Touching on the proposed airport in Bolgatanga, Minister Jinapor emphasized its potential to facilitate both the company’s operations and the transportation of gold, urging an expeditious approach to the project.

He further called on Shandong Gold Group to consider investment in other mining projects in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of value addition and setting an exemplary precedent for Chinese investment in the country.

Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Winfred Hammond, who accompanied the Minister during the meeting, commended the commitments made by the company and pledged the embassy’s wholehearted support to ensure that the first gold is poured next year at the Namdini mine.

The Minister’s delegation included the Chairperson of the Minerals Commission Board, Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, Samuel Atta-Akyea, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Ayisi.

This commitment by Shandong Gold Group marks a significant stride in advancing the Namdini project and reflects their extensive involvement in Ghana’s mining sector and regional infrastructure development.

The pledge to commence gold production signals positive economic prospects for Ghana and augurs well for the broader mining industry in the country.