President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s plan to end the export of raw mineral ores by 2030, urging mining companies to increase local processing and refining of minerals extracted in the country.
Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, President Mahama said Ghana would no longer allow mineral resources to be exported in their unprocessed form beyond the 2030 deadline.
“I have said that by 2030 we’re not going to export any raw ores, mineral ores, out of Ghana,” President Mahama stated.
He urged mining companies operating in Ghana to begin investing in primary and secondary mineral processing to support local value addition and increase the economic benefits derived from the country’s natural resources.
“So those who are mining today must be mindful that they begin to put in at least primary and secondary processing of the ores,” he added.
Ghana Pushes for Local Mineral Processing
The President’s announcement forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to transform the mining industry by processing more minerals locally instead of exporting raw materials.
The policy is expected to promote value addition, industrial development, job creation and increased government revenue while strengthening Ghana’s position in the global mineral value chain.
Ghana is one of Africa’s major gold-producing countries and also has significant deposits of bauxite, manganese and diamonds. The country is additionally preparing to enter the lithium production market as global demand for critical minerals continues to grow.
Gold Refining and Mineral Value Addition
The government has been pushing for greater gold refining in Ghana as part of efforts to retain more value from the country’s mineral resources.
Under the renewed policy direction, mining companies are expected to prepare for increased domestic processing and refining before the 2030 deadline.
President Mahama’s position signals a major shift toward local mineral beneficiation, with the government seeking to ensure that Ghana gains greater economic value from its gold, bauxite, manganese, diamonds and emerging lithium industry.
The move could also encourage new investments in mineral processing plants, refineries and mining-related industries, while creating opportunities for employment and technology development within Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com