The Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) is exploring strategic investments in a manganese refinery, a concession at the Takoradi Port and the revival of railway services as part of plans to expand its mining operations and increase local value addition.
GMC Deputy Managing Director, Sun Yuanwei, disclosed this when the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, paid a working visit to the company’s operations in Tarkwa.
The visit formed part of the Minister’s engagements with mining companies in the region to strengthen collaboration between the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) and the mining industry.
Takoradi Port concession
Mr Sun said GMC is engaging the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to secure a concession at the Takoradi Port to support its future operations and increase commercial activity at the port.
Under the proposed arrangement, the port would serve as a point for transporting mining equipment to GMC while providing an outlet for exporting refined manganese products.
“We want to work together with GPHA so that Takoradi Port becomes busy again. Our ships will not come empty; they will come with equipment and return with refined ores,” he said.
Railway revival
The company is also engaging the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) on the possibility of reviving railway services linking mining communities.
According to Mr Sun, an efficient railway system would ease the pressure of heavy-duty mining traffic on Ghana’s roads while restoring an important component of the country’s industrial transport infrastructure.
He said the initiative would be particularly relevant as GMC expands its mining operations and increases production capacity.
Manganese refinery
GMC is further pursuing plans to establish a manganese refinery in Ghana, a project Mr Sun described as critical to increasing local value addition in the mining sector.
He said refining manganese locally would reduce dependence on the export of raw ore while creating opportunities for additional revenue and high-skilled employment.
“The refinery will not only add value to our ores but also expand revenues for the country. Most importantly, we will create opportunities for high-skilled employment and support the vision of changing the mining sector in Ghana,” he said.
Mr Sun said the company’s expansion plans were expected to contribute to job creation and stimulate economic activity in its host communities.
Minister backs GMC expansion plans
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, commended GMC for sustaining its operations and contributing to the region’s economic development.
He described the proposed manganese refinery as an important step towards extracting greater value from Ghana’s mineral resources.
Mr Nelson said local processing could also help reduce the pressure of heavy mining haulage on roads, particularly along the Tarkwa-Takoradi corridor.
“Building a refinery is about adding value to the raw materials we have been producing over the years. It will also take off the load on our roads, which is a major challenge for us as a region,” he said.
The Minister also welcomed the proposed railway revival, saying a return of rail services could improve transportation and stimulate economic activity in communities along the railway corridor.
Minister calls for closer collaboration
Mr Nelson urged GMC and other mining companies to deepen their engagement with the Western Regional Coordinating Council rather than limiting their interaction to regulatory agencies.
He said closer collaboration was necessary because mining activities have direct implications for host communities, infrastructure and regional development.
“Do not wait until you have challenges before you knock on our doors. We are your landlords, and your security and other support systems are also connected to the region,” he said.
The Minister assured GMC of the Regional Coordinating Council’s support as the company pursues initiatives aimed at expanding mining operations, promoting local value addition and contributing to economic growth in the Western Region.
