GIADEC eyes boost in bauxite production
The Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC) says it is optimistic about an increase in bauxite production capacity, pending parliamentary approval of a new mining lease.
This follows Parliament’s unanimous ratification in July of a lease for the Ghana Bauxite Company to mine bauxite at Awaso in the Bibiani Anwhiaso Bekwai Municipality, Western North Region.
The decision came after a report by the joint Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Energy, and Lands and Forestry, which was presented on June 26, 2024. The Awaso Bauxite Mine is a central component of the government’s strategy to develop an integrated aluminum industry in Ghana.
Dr. Kwabena Mensah, Senior Technical Manager at GIADEC, emphasized that parliamentary approval would significantly enhance bauxite mining, positioning Ghana to eventually cease exporting raw bauxite. Speaking at a media workshop organized by Joy Business on the 2021/2022 Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative report, Dr. Mensah noted that GIADEC has designated the Awaso mine as one of four key projects aimed at building a fully integrated aluminum industry.
“The Ghana Bauxite Company must meet specific EPA conditions. We’ve added two more hills to ensure they meet the expected quantities and volumes for the integrated aluminum projects. We’re preparing to provide them with sufficient resources. The company is also upgrading its equipment and moving away from traditional mining methods,” Dr. Mensah explained.
He further added, “This is a gradual process, not something that happens overnight. They are working diligently to meet the targets. There is a timeline, and the mining processes will see significant improvements.” GIADEC is collaborating with strategic investors to expand the Awaso mine and establish a refinery to process the bauxite mined in the area, marking a key step toward developing a complete value chain within the country.
