The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, located at Awaso in the Western North region, has announced plans to construct a bauxite refinery aimed at boosting local processing and reducing dependency on foreign facilities.
The project, according to Alexander Gyedu, the General Manager of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, is intended to add value to Ghana’s raw bauxite by converting it into alumina, a vital component in aluminum production. This will enhance operational efficiency and support national economic development.
He announced this during the Western North Regional Minister’s familiarization tour of the company’s operations, which included safety inspections and stakeholder engagements on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
“The refinery will significantly improve our operations and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economy. It will allow us to process bauxite locally, create jobs, and retain more revenue within the country,” he stated.
The Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, was happy about the initiative, describing it as a transformative step for the region.
“This is a fantastic development. Not only will it expand employment opportunities in Awaso and surrounding areas, but it also aligns with the government’s broader vision of an integrated aluminum industry,” he stated.
He stressed that the government is committed to supporting indigenous enterprises and reducing reliance on imports by utilizing local resources.
He lauded the Ghana Bauxite Company for prioritizing environmental sustainability, observing improvements in air quality as the company shifts to surface mining and phases out blasting operations.
“I’m highly impressed with the safety measures and environmental standards being implemented. The company’s approach proves that Ghanaians have the capacity to run mining operations responsibly,” he remarked.
Mr. Gyedu, the General Manager of the company, hinted that land has already been secured for the refinery, and construction is expected to commence soon. “Plans are far advanced. We believe that within the next six months, the project will begin in earnest, significantly benefiting the aluminum industry,” he added.
The Ghana Bauxite Company has operated in Awaso since the 1940s, producing premium trihydrate bauxite with high alumina content (51%) and low silica. It remains the country’s only operating bauxite mine and is currently managed by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), which holds an 80% stake, with the remaining 20% owned by the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC).
Since OPCL took over in 2022, the company has expanded rapidly. The workforce has grown from 483 employees to 1,158 as of February 2025, and significant investments have been made in equipment and infrastructure.
Key additions include, 160 new 9-axle trucks, 42 earth-moving machines, 52 dump trucks, 16 utility vehicles, 2 surface miner, 35 light-duty vehicles, 2 rollers and other specialized machinery.
These acquisitions have boosted haulage capacity from 600,000 tons in 2022 to 1.7 million tons in 2024.
To sustain this growth, the company plans to embark on an extensive exploration program, acquire additional equipment, and develop new mining areas within its concession.
He touched on the company’s commitment to employee welfare and continuous capacity building, describing its human capital as its most valuable asset.
By Benjamin Aidoo
