The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and its strategic international metallurgy and energy partner, Mytilineos S.A, are set to begin exploration of bauxite in the Nyinahin hills in the Ashanti region. 

As part of plans to add value to the country’s mineral ore under the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI) projects, the exercise is expected to end decades of exporting raw bauxite for refining. 

It would see the establishment of the country’s first refinery plant while boosting economic gains from its natural resources.  

Following their declaration as the new strategic partners of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Mytilineos S.A. is set to commence exploration of project 3 of the Nyinahin concession.

A delegation from the company paid a courtesy visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to formally announce the intentions of the alumina refinery company. 

Since the discovery of bauxite in Ghana, the country has always mined and exported the mineral in its raw state, but failed in adding value despite considerable efforts made by successive governments.

The Nhynahin project which is one of the four under the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI) projects is part of efforts by the government to enhance value addition for the resource.

Chief Executive of GIADEC, Michael Ansah assures the company’s commitment to go by all the country’s environmental regulations during the exploration stage and hopefully after they commence full operations.

“Nyinahin has ten hills which we believe are bauxite-rich hills. Hills 1-3 are called Block A, 4 to 6 are Block B, and 7 to 10 which are currently under development are Block C. The last block is what will be explored by Mytilineos company. They’re well-versed in this aluminium industry and will abide by all the environmental regulations,” he said.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is upbeat about the prospects of the exploration of the concession as he anticipates a good partnership.

“We expect that you’ll be a good investor, and that the partnership will be mutually-beneficial. We expect you to do your part, the government and the locals will also do theirs,” he said.

Representative of Mytilineos Energy & Metals assured of economic boost for the local community and the nation through job creation and other corporate social responsibilities. 

“We will create job opportunities and boost economic gains for the country,” the representative assured.

The team is expected to present the Mineral Resource Estimation to the government after successful completion of the exploration process.