The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr Martin Ayisi, has announced a strategic partnership between the Government of Ghana and a Chinese manganese company to establish a $450 million refinery in Ghana.
This collaboration aims to enhance the value of the country’s manganese production, marking a significant advancement in Ghana’s mining sector.
According to Mr. Ayisi, this project is expected to increase Ghana’s revenue from manganese from the current 27% to nearly 40%. Thus, the refinery will create approximately 400,000 jobs for Ghanaian youth.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to starting construction of the refinery in August 2024, underscoring that Ghana, through its Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is dedicated to transforming the mineral sector.
Mr. Ayisi noted that while Ghana has been exporting raw manganese since 1916, the current government is focused on ending this practice and adding value locally.
Additionally, he announced plans to establish a lithium mine by the end of 2024, with the project expected to take 22 months to complete.
This initiative will further enhance local processing capabilities and add value to Ghana’s mineral resources. He urged other African countries to follow Ghana’s lead in promoting local participation in mineral resource projects.
Mr Ayisi made these remarks at the 7th Annual Mining on Top Africa Summit in Paris, France, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, addressing the theme “Mining Partnership for Long-Term Successful Projects: Meeting Obligations and Exploring New Avenues.”
