The Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) is set to begin the construction of a $450 million refinery aimed at transforming low-grade manganese ore into a higher-value product.
This refinery, to be built in phases, is expected to boost Ghana’s manganese production and revenue. Phase one of the project, estimated at $240 million, includes the construction of a 45MW natural gas power plant and a facility capable of refining two million tonnes of manganese annually.
This move will enhance the marketability of manganese, raising its grade from 26.5% to 40%. Phases 2 and 3 will take the total investment into the refinery to $450 million.
The project also involves associated infrastructure investments such as a dedicated mineral railway line and upgrades to the Takoradi port, which will facilitate export operations. Once completed, the refinery will create over 1,000 direct jobs and significantly increase Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings. Manganese, a critical component in industries such as steel and electric vehicle batteries, is expected to remain in high demand globally.
Speaking to members of the Journalists for Business Advocacy on a tour organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr Joseph Ampong General Manager of GMC, said the project held a high prospect for the future of the mine. He mentioned the company planned to increase manganese production to 8 million tonnes per year, out of which it intended to refine about five million locally.
“I think at some point, they made an attempt to put up the gas plant to cast iron and manganese carbonate deposit so that it becomes very rich before we send it down. But due to power issues, it couldn’t materialize so now we are coming up with new interventions to make sure it works,” he added.
Mr Ampong said the company was depending on Genser Energy to provide the power for the project using gas from Atuabo. “So definitely, we’re going to have a lot of advantages bringing the refinery on board. The grade we are mining now is low, we are currently selling at 26.5 per cent but when you upgrade it, you refine it, you can get it at 40 per cent and above,” he explained.
Mr Ampong stated the current shift towards renewables away from fossil fuels bodes well for the company, especially in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, manganese, lithium, and other critical minerals, which would be in high demand in the future.
Although GMC was heavily hit by the Ukraine and Russia conflict because the former was a key export destination aside from China, the company is currently exploring marketing opportunities across the world to sustain the business. Manganese is a major component in the steel industry, accounting for 75 per cent of global demand with 20 % and 5 % going into batteries and fertilizer respectively.
