The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor, has announced plans to establish a US$450 million manganese processing plant at Nsuta in the Western Region. This initiative he says, is part of the government’s broader strategy to position Ghana as a hub for value-added mineral resources in Africa, creating jobs, boosting exports, and supporting industrialization.
His remarks came during a tour of the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) in the Western Region. He said the project will commence by year’s end, adding that the process is nearing completion.
The new manganese processing plant will be located in Nsuta, an area known for its rich manganese deposits. The $450 million investment underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging Ghana’s mineral resources and moving from raw material exports to value-added production.
“The centuries of exporting raw manganese will be a thing of the past. We are now going to have value addition and retain the reasonably highest end of the value chain of the manganese industry here in Ghana,” the Minister said.
In the same fashion, the Managing Director of GMC, Mr Jurgen Eijgendaal, thanked the Minister for the support given to the company under his tenure. Noting that the company is readying itself for the refinery journey ahead. He mentioned that some departments need significant investments and revamp to enhance the needed natural resources for the refinery plant.
The processing plant is expected to increase Ghana’s export potential by producing processed manganese products that attract higher prices on international markets compared to raw ores. This will contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings and economic growth.
The manganese processing facility will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for Ghanaians, especially in the Western Region. Additionally, the project is anticipated to spur industrial development, providing a foundation for other manufacturing and mining-related businesses.
Also, the construction of the plant aligns with Ghana’s industrialization agenda and local content policies, aimed at ensuring the mining sector drives broader economic transformation. This move also complements the government’s value-addition strategy, which seeks to reduce dependence on raw mineral exports and support domestic industries.
