GBC Targets 6m Tons Of Bauxite: Invests US$122m In Infrastructure

Extraction of Bauxite

Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) aims to produce 6 million tons of bauxite by the end of 2025.

To achieve this, GBC has invested US$122.97 million in infrastructure upgrades. This includes acquiring new equipment like surface miners, haulage trucks, and excavators.

The Awaso Mine concession spans 47.04 sq km. It follows a 30-year Mining Lease covering several areas including Subri and Inchiniso. GBC has operated the Inchiniso pit since 1969, producing high-grade trihydrate bauxite.

Since bauxite was discovered in Ghana in 1921, the average annual Run of Mine (ROM) is about 2.5 million metric tons. In 2022, Bosai Group transferred its 80% shareholding to Ofori-Opoku Company Limited (OPCL). The Government of Ghana retains a 20% share.

At a press briefing in Awaso, General Manager Mr. Alexander Gyedu discussed GBC's expansion plans. He noted that increased production will positively impact the local economy. Production volumes have risen significantly due to improved mining methods.

Using surface mining and drill-and-blast techniques, production increased from 1.3 million tons to about 1.8 million tons for 2024. Mr. Gyedu credited this growth to OPCL's takeover from Bosai Group in 2022.

OPCL has replaced old equipment with new machinery since taking over GBC. They acquired 42 earth-moving machines and numerous dump trucks and vehicles. A second surface miner is expected by June 2025.

Additionally, GBC purchased new trucks to boost production capacity and exports of bauxite ore.

The Haulage department also improved significantly under OPCL’s management. The fleet expanded by adding a total of 161 nine-axle trucks since the takeover in 2022.

Haulage operations increased from around 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1.7 million tons in 2024.

Mr. Gyedu assured that GBC prioritizes environmentally responsible mining practices as it works toward its production target for bauxite.

He emphasized that new equipment will help reduce environmental impact while maintaining corporate social responsibility commitments.

GBC adheres strictly to ecological regulations and is committed to sustainable development practices.

Mr. Gyedu stated that GBC strives for responsible resource management while minimizing environmental impacts through conservation efforts.

The company complies with regulatory standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This commitment reflects transparency and accountability regarding environmental stewardship as required by law.

The EPA collaborates closely with GBC to ensure compliance with environmental regulations aligned with government sustainability goals.

GBC’s Success Story

In 2022, Isaac Ofori Poku acquired approximately an 80% stake in Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso. This marked a significant milestone for Ghana's mining industry as majority ownership shifted to a local entity.

This acquisition has led to reduced unemployment rates in surrounding areas and across Ghana overall.

Since then, GBC increased its contract staff from 465 to over double at around 1,061 employees—976 males and just over 85 females—boosting local employment opportunities significantly.

In 2024, GBC exported a record 1.8 million metric tons of bauxite ore globally including China.

This achievement is attributed to IOP’s vision as a wholly Ghanaian-owned entity under dynamic leadership.

With strong management support and a dedicated workforce, the company looks forward to even greater success ahead.