GBC Makes Giant Strides … First Ever Refinery To Process Bauxite At Awaso In The Offing

Minister Wilbert Petty Brentum visited the Inchiniso mining site at Awaso. Ofori-Opoku Company Limited (OPCL) owns 80% of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC). They plan to build a refinery to add value to bauxite. This proposal is a first in over 80 years of bauxite mining.

GBC aims to acquire 2,500 to 3,000 square kilometers of land. This area will be for the new refinery project. The refinery will process high-quality bauxite from their concession, which is 47.04 square kilometers.

During a tour last Friday, General Manager Alexander Gyedu briefed Minister Brentum on operations. GBC has contracted the Lands Commission to evaluate land and properties by June. This evaluation will help compensate farmers and landowners appropriately.

Gyedu mentioned that they consulted key stakeholders like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They have also procured three additional surface miners to enhance operations. Negotiations are ongoing with companies for the refinery's construction.

GBC has invested $122.97 million in infrastructure upgrades over three years. This investment includes acquiring new equipment like surface miners and haulage trucks. Their goal is to produce six million tons of bauxite by the end of 2025.

Production increased from 59,585 tons in 2022 to 225,415 tons recently. Using surface mining methods boosted production from 1.3 million tons per year to about 1.8 million tons in 2024.

In 2022, Bosai Group transferred its shares to OPCL while retaining a 20% stake for the government. GBC’s Awaso Mine covers an area of 47.04 square kilometers under a ratified lease agreement.

Since starting operations in Inchiniso pit in 1969, GBC has produced high-grade trihydrate bauxite annually. Gyedu noted that OPCL acquired significant new equipment including earth-moving machines and dump trucks.

The company expects delivery of another surface miner by June 2025. They have also added various trucks to increase production capacity and exports.

The Haulage department improved significantly with new nine-axle trucks since OPCL took over in 2022. Haulage operations increased from around 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1.7 million tons in 2024.

Gyedu assured that GBC prioritizes environmentally responsible mining practices as they work towards their production target of six million tons by late 2025. New equipment is expected to reduce their environmental footprint.

GBC is committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development practices. Gyedu emphasized adherence to ecological regulations during operations.

He stated that GBC strives for responsible resource management while minimizing environmental impact through conservation efforts and compliance with EPA standards.

The EPA collaborates closely with GBC on environmental regulations aligned with government goals for sustainable development and protection.

Minister Brentum expressed support for GBC’s stakeholder engagement efforts after touring the facility. He noted that GBC's operations have not harmed the environment.

Brentum appreciated that all management and workforce members are Ghanaian citizens. He encouraged responsible mining practices among companies operating in Ghana.

He announced plans for local authorities (MMDAs) to collaborate with GBC on sustained development initiatives in the area.
A Chief Director from the Regional Coordinating Council praised GBC as a role model for safety and environmentally friendly practices among mining companies.