A groundbreaking Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) has revealed that bauxite deposits in Ghana’s Nyinahin Block-B hills, located in the Ashanti Region, are double the amount historically estimated. Previous studies suggested the presence of 250 million tonnes in three hills, but the first-ever scientific appraisal using modern technology has uncovered a minimum of 375 million tonnes, a 50% increase from earlier figures.
The CEO of Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), in collaboration with Mr Kwasi Osei Ofori, CEO of Rocksure International, shared these findings with President Akufo-Addo at Jubilee House in Accra on November 14, 2023. In September 2021, GIADEC selected Rocksure International, a wholly Ghanaian-owned company, as a strategic partner for its Project 2, part of the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI) initiative.
According to a report by the Daily Graphic, Rocksure International, upon its selection, began the MRE in Nyinahin Block-B, focusing on Hills 4, 5, and 6. This initiative is part of a broader effort to validate Ghana’s bauxite resources, estimated to be around 900 million tonnes nationwide. The highest concentration, amounting to 700 million tonnes, is in the Nyinahin area.
This validation is a significant step for Ghana, marking the first time the country is scientifically verifying its bauxite resources. Mr. Ansah, GIADEC’s CEO, highlighted the substantial increase in bauxite quantities in the Nyinahin area, which was previously underestimated.
GIADEC will soon announce a partnership with a reputable European firm for Project 3A of the IAI Projects. This project involves developing a mine in Nyinahin Block ‘C’ and constructing a refinery. President Akufo-Addo praised the GIADEC and Rocksure International CEOs for their professional collaboration on Project 2. He expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its importance for Ghana’s integrated aluminium industry.
The President noted that the MRE results are the first to be conducted on any of Ghana’s bauxite resources. Historically, the country relied on estimates and projections. He believes these findings will attract more investors to the industry and boost investor confidence.
President Akufo-Addo also urged GIADEC to focus on value-added processes, such as refining bauxite into alumina and smelting alumina into aluminium. He emphasized the importance of Ghanaian companies’ participation in these processes.
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. George Mireku Duker, representing the Minister, assured GIADEC and Rocksure of the Ministry’s continuous support for developing the Integrated Aluminium Industry.
Mr. Kwasi Osei Ofori, CEO of Rocksure International, stated that the completion of the MRE supports the President’s belief in the capabilities of Ghanaian companies to compete globally.
