Ghana Bauxite Company targets 6m tonnes by end of 2025

The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) plans to produce six million tonnes of bauxite by the end of 2025.

This target follows a US$122 million investment in infrastructure and operations.

Last year, GBC produced 1.8 million tonnes, an increase of about 500,000 tonnes.

After Ofori Poku Company Limited took over, they invested $122.97 million to upgrade the company.

This investment allowed GBC to acquire new equipment like surface miners and trucks.

General Manager Alexander Gyedu shared details at a press briefing in Awaso.

He noted that OPCL has acquired 42 earth-moving machines and 52 dump trucks.

They also added one surface miner and various utility vehicles for mining.

Gyedu mentioned that a second surface miner is expected by June 2025.

The haulage department improved significantly after OPCL's takeover in 2022.

They added 161 nine-axle trucks, increasing haulage from around 600,000 tonnes to about 1.7 million tonnes by 2024.

GBC aims for six million tonnes while committing to environmentally responsible mining practices.

New equipment will help reduce the company's environmental footprint, Gyedu stated.

Additionally, GBC plans to build a bauxite refinery to add value to its production.

Gyedu told JoyNews that the refinery will create more jobs in the area.

Discussions on land and resources for the refinery are progressing well.

The refinery will process raw bauxite into alumina for aluminum production, boosting output value significantly.

It is expected that refining will increase product value by at least eighty percent, enhancing profitability.

In 2022, Isaac Ofori Poku acquired about 80% of GBC shares in Awaso.

This acquisition marked a significant milestone in Ghana's mining industry.

It transferred majority ownership to IOP Group, aiming to improve company fortunes.

Under IOP's leadership, GBC has seen increased investments and growth in value.

One major goal of Mr. Ofori Poku is reducing unemployment locally and nationally.

Since the takeover, contract staff numbers rose from 465 to 1,061 employees—976 males and 85 females.

This job growth positively impacts the local economy significantly.

Exporting 1.8 million tonnes of bauxite ore was an unprecedented achievement for GBC under IOP's leadership.

The success story highlights what local businesses can achieve with support and opportunity.

With a dynamic management team and committed workforce, GBC is set for future success.