President Akufo-Addo says government will ensure that the mining of bauxite in the Atiwa forest and other areas is done in a responsible manner to protect the environment.

According to him, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for instance has sponsored work to develop a biodiversity and hydrology study for the Atiwa forest in order to guide and inform the Agency on how mining activities are carried out in the forest.

President Akufo-Addo stated this when he launched the Integrated Aluminum Industry Projects in Accra.

"The vision of Ghana Integrated Aluminum Industry Corporation is important to us all and particularly dear to me giving the significant transformational impact it will have on the development of our economy and the considerable potential it has for wealth creation. It is at the heart of our industrial transformation agenda", the President added.

The ceremony also saw the signing of an MoU between the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Industry Corporation (GIADEC) and it's strategic partner for the Nyinahini Mine, Rocksure International.

President Akufo-Addo also used the platform to assure prospective investors of government's support while they learn to respect the country's laws.

"We believe that mining can and must be done in a responsible manner. Government through its regulatory agencies will act to protect our environment at all time. I will reiterate that steps will be taken to ensure that all mining activities are done in a responsible manner in accordance with our regulations," he said.

On his part, the CEO of GIADEC, Michael Ansah said government's vision of developing the bauxite industry is now a reality.

He said currently, the Ghana Bauxite Company produces 1m tons of aluminum per annum but GIADEC intends to expand this.

The expansion of the Awaso Mine with a refinery will produce 5m tons, Kyebi Nyinahini and Nyinahini-Mpasaso with a refinery will produce 10m tons to make a total of 20m tons of bauxite per annum.

Again, apart from mining and refining, GIADEC intends expanding VALCO in order to produce more bauxite.