Ghana charts bold bauxite future with 6 million tonnes production target by GBC

Ghana is positioning itself to become a key player in the global bauxite industry while simultaneously developing a fully integrated aluminium sector. With an estimated 900 million tonnes of bauxite reserves primarily located in Awaso, Nyinahin, and Kyebi, the West African nation is committed to leveraging its natural resources to boost bauxite production and drive sustainable economic growth. In line with Ghana’s future roadmap, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC), jointly owned by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL) and the Government of Ghana, aims to achieve a production of 6 million tonnes of bauxte in a year by the end of 2025.

Upgrading infrastructure and operational efficiencies would be the key requirement to attain the 6 million tonnes goal. GBC, by investing USD 122.97 million, will acquire a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and retooling of existing plant and machinery, to enhance its infrastructure and operation capabilities.

GBC’s General Manager, Mr Alexander Gyedu, highlighted while addressing the press that the company’s bauxite production has been on rise due to the usage of surface mining and drill and blast methods. In 2024, GBC’s annual bauxite production reached 1.8 million tonnes from 1.3 million tonnes in the earlier year.

Mr Gyedu credited the impressive production growth to the 2022 takeover of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL) from the Bosai Group. Initially, in 2010, the Government of Ghana that owns 20 per cent of share in GBC was offered to acquire the remaining 80 per cent from Rio Tinto. But when the government declined the offer, Bosai Minerals China purchased the stake. Later on, in 2022, OPCL acquired the share from Bosai Minerals, ensuring business continuity and reaffirming the commitment to the company's long-term growth and development.

Special mention to be made of Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who back in 2021, assured a smooth continuity of GBC’s operations when panic loomed among the workers of losing jobs following a tough decision by the Bosai Minerals Groups to sell its shareholding.