Mining industry of Ghana#Commodities

Mining in Ghana predates colonial times, with evidence showing that gold mining in the region has been carried out for centuries. Indigenous communities mined gold along riverbanks such as the Pra and Ankobra Rivers using rudimentary tools, long before the arrival of Europeans. Gold played a central role in the development of the Ashanti Empire, which traded extensively with North Africa and Europe through trans-Saharan trade routes.{{Cite web |title=The Trans-Saharan Gold Trade (7th–14th Century) |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/gold/hd_gold.htm? |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Metropolitan Museum of Art – Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History |date=October 2000 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=A study of pre-colonial and contemporary methods of gold mining in Ghana |url=https://www.internationalscholarsjournals.com/articles/a-study-of-precolonial-and-contemporary-methods-of-gold-mining-in-ghana.pdf }}Clark, Nancy L. "Mining and Petroleum Industries" (and subchapters). [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/ghtoc.html A Country Study: Ghana] (La Verle Berry, editor). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (November 1994). {{PD-notice}}.[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/about.html] Culturally, Gold is quite significant across the southern belt of the country. As a country, it is built into our national identity, drawing upon the term “Gold Coast” as its former name and the yellow in the Ghanaian flag, which signifies Ghana's mineral-rich nature. It is especially prominent in the Ashanti culture, with the [https://publish.ojs-indonesia.com/index.php/SIBATIK/article/view/825/792 “soul of the Ashanti Kingdom”]{{Cite journal |last1=Agyei |first1=Isaac Kwabena |last2=Fening |first2=Peggy |last3=Adu-Boachie |first3=Charles |date=2023-08-10 |title=THE RHYTHM OF GLOBALIZATION AND PERSISTENCE OF THE SOCIO-CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GOLD JEWELLERY IN ASANTE, GHANA |url=https://publish.ojs-indonesia.com/index.php/SIBATIK/article/view/825/792 |journal=SIBATIK JOURNAL: Jurnal Ilmiah Bidang Sosial, Ekonomi, Budaya, Teknologi, Dan Pendidikan |language=en |volume=2 |issue=9 |pages=2617–2632 |doi=10.54443/sibatik.v2i9.825 |doi-broken-date=6 March 2025 |issn=2809-8544}} being sika dua Kofi, the golden stool. It is also historically a symbol of status. The Ashanti King, for example, is adorned with several ancient gold ornaments on every tradition-inspired appearance.

With the arrival of Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, European powers began to recognize the region’s vast gold reserves. By the late 19th century, during British colonial rule, commercial mining operations began to take shape. The establishment of the Gold Coast Colony in 1821 marked the beginning of organized gold mining, primarily in areas such as Obuasi and Tarkwa, which would later emerge as major mining hubs.{{Cite web |title=Embassy of Ghana Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana Embassy Abidjan, Ghana Embassy Ivory Coast - Ghana At A Glance |url=https://abidjan.mfa.gov.gh/ghana-at-a-glance.aspx#:~:text=Until%20its%20independence%20from%20British,and%20hospitality%20of%20the%20people. |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Embassy of Ghana Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana Embassy Abidjan, Ghana Embassy Ivory Coast - Ghana At A Glance}} The existence of alluvial gold in different parts of Ghana is a major reason for its colonial history,{{Cite journal |last=Law |first=Robin |date=2015 |title=THE 'GOLDEN AGE' IN THE HISTORY OF THE PRE-COLONIAL GOLD COAST: THE ERA OF GOLD EXPORTS (15th TO 17th CENTURIES) RE-EXAMINED |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26512472 |journal=Transactions of the Historical Society of Ghana |issue=17 |pages=109–136 |jstor=26512472 |issn=0855-3246}} with Ghana then the Gold Coast. It is noted that several writings about Ghana by the Dutch allude to the prominence of gold mining as a major economic activity in the Gold Coast. File:The National Archives UK - CO 1069-46-37.jpg

The Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, established in 1897, became a significant player in the industry and contributed to the Gold Coast's economy. Colonial authorities constructed railways and ports to facilitate the transportation of minerals.{{Cite web |title=Shining Through Time: The legacy of the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation |url=https://ghanaremembers.com/stories/business/shining-through-time-the-legacy-of-the-ashanti-goldfields-corporation.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=GhanaRemembers |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hadebe |first=Siyabonga |title=AngloGold Ashanti Digs Africa A Big Economic Hole: De ja vu! |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/1291289/anglogold-ashanti-digs-africa-a-big-economic-hole.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Modern Ghana |language=en}}

Following Ghana's independence in 1957, the mining industry saw a shift in focus. This led to the establishment of the Ghana State Mining Corporation (GSMC) in 1961, which was later reincorporated as the State Gold Mining Corporation (SGMC) in 1964. The SGMC took over operations of several mines, including those in Obuasi and Tarkwa, aiming to maximize national revenues from gold mining.{{Cite web |last=Dentsil-Koomson |first=Papa Kwasi |title=Political Economy of the Mining Sector in Ghana |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/1320001/political-economy-of-the-mining-sector-in-ghana.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Modern Ghana |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Mining in Ghana: Critical Reflections on a Turbulent Past and Uncertain Future |url=https://academic.oup.com/book/7355/chapter-abstract/152156648?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false |url-status=dead}}

The economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s under the Structural Adjustment Program initiated a liberalization of the mining sector. This period saw the influx of foreign direct investment, particularly from companies in Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Key legislative reforms, such as the Minerals and Mining Act of 2006, aimed to attract investors and ensure sustainable practices in the sector.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2019-08-22 |title=The timely introduction of the new Minerals and Mining Act |url=https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/%EF%BB%BFthe-timely-introduction-of-the-new-minerals-and-mining-act/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Ghanaian Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 |url=https://resourcegovernance.org/sites/default/files/Minerals%20and%20Mining%20Act%20703%20Ghana.pdf }} During this period, large-scale mining projects, such as AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi mine and Newmont Goldcorp's Ahafo mine, began producing gold. By 2019, Ghana had overtaken South Africa to become Africa’s largest gold producer.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=Ghana regains position as the leading gold producer in Africa {{!}} African Mining Market |url=https://africanminingmarket.com/ghana-regains-position-as-the-leading-gold-producer-in-africa/17969/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-ZA}}

While large-scale mining dominates Ghana’s economy, small-scale and artisanal mining (locally known as "galamsey") also flourish, particularly in rural areas. These activities, often informal and unregulated, contributes to gold production but brings challenges such as environmental degradation and conflicts over land use.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-02 |title=Ghana's Environmental Crisis: The urgent need to address galamsey - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghanas-environmental-crisis-the-urgent-need-to-address-galamsey/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=The Devastating Impact of Galamsey on Ghana's Environment and Its Role in Climate Change - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/the-devastating-impact-of-galamsey-on-ghanas-environment-and-its-role-in-climate-change/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}

{{main|Gold mining in Ghana}}

File:Surface mining pit Anglogold Ashanti Iduapreim Ghana.jpg

Ghana is one of the largest gold producers in Africa, and it ranks as the sixth-largest producer globally. Gold has been central to the country's economy for decades. In 2023, Ghana produced around 4.2 million ounces of gold, contributing to approximately 4% of the world’s total output. The main gold-producing regions are Ashanti, Western, and Eastern regions, with major players including Newmont, Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti, and Kinross Gold. Gold exports in 2022 accounted for about 12.3% of Ghana's GDP.{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.mining-technology.com/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Mining Technology |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Boafo |first=Godfred |date=2024-09-10 |title=Ghana is Africa's largest gold producer, but it has an illegal mining issue: 5 essential reads |url=https://theconversation.com/ghana-is-africas-largest-gold-producer-but-it-has-an-illegal-mining-issue-5-essential-reads-238623 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=PERFORMANCE OF THE MINING INDUSTRY IN 2023 |url=https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Performance-of-the-Mining-Industry-in-2023.pdf }}

The country’s gold deposits are primarily located within two major goldfields: the Ashanti Gold Belt and the Western Region Goldfields.{{Cite web |title=The Spectacularly Rich Gold Deposits of Ghana |url=https://chiefgold.com/the-spectacularly-rich-gold-deposits-of-ghana/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=A review of gold mineralisation in the Ashanti belt of Ghana and its relation to the crustal evolution of the terrane |url=https://mme.gov.na/files/publications/ffe_Oberthur%20et%20al_Ashanti%20Belt_Ghana.pdf }} The Ashanti Gold Belt, in particular, is home to some of the most notable gold mines in the country, including the Ahafo and Akyem mines, both operated by Newmont. The Obuasi mine, one of the oldest gold mines in Ghana, is also situated within this region and is operated by AngloGold Ashanti. The mine has been in operation since the 1890s and remains one of the largest contributors to Ghana's gold output.{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=2020-06-11 |title=Obuasi Gold Mine |url=https://www.byrnecut.com/projects/africa/ghana/obuasi-gold-mine/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Byrnecut |language=en-AU}}

In the Western Region, the Tarkwa and Damang mines are major players in the gold sector. Tarkwa, operated by Gold Fields, is one of the largest gold mines in the country and has been producing gold since 1998. The Damang mine, also operated by Gold Fields, is a contributor to Ghana's gold exports.{{Cite web |title=GOLD FIELDS GHANA TARKWA MINE IS 2020 MINING COMPANY OF THE YEAR |url=https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7th-GMIA_Press-Release-.pdf }}{{Cite web |title=Damang Gold Mine |url=https://www.mining-technology.com/projects/damang-gold-mine/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Mining Technology |language=en-US}}

Manganese is another key mineral in Ghana. The country ranks as Africa's second-largest producer of manganese, with production reaching approximately 2.5 million metric tons in 2022.{{Cite web |title=Ghana: manganese production |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1237013/manganese-production-in-ghana/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Statista |language=en}} In 2022, Ghana exported $436 million in manganese ore, making it the fourth largest exporter in the world.{{Cite web |title=Top 10 Manganese-producing Countries (Updated 2024) {{!}} INN |url=https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/battery-metals-investing/manganese-investing/top-manganese-producing-countries/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=investingnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Manganese - African Green Minerals Observatory |url=https://www.africangreenminerals.com/minerals/manganese |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.africangreenminerals.com}} The main destinations for Ghana's manganese ore exports are China, Ukraine, France, and the Netherlands.

Ghana’s manganese reserves are primarily concentrated in the Western Region, where the country’s main manganese mines are located. The Ghana Manganese Company Limited (GMCL) is the sole producer and exporter of manganese in the country. GMCL holds a mining concession over 170 square kilometers in the Western Region, centered around Nsuta. The Nsuta mine has been operational since 1916, making it one of the oldest manganese mines globally.{{Cite web |title=Mine Overview |url=https://ghamang.com.gh/mine-overview/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Ghana Manganese Company Limited |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-07-04 |title=$450m refinery to boost Ghana's manganese revenue by 40% - Minerals Commission CEO |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2024/07/450m-refinery-to-boost-ghanas-manganese-revenue-by-40-minerals-commission-ceo/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}}

{{main|Bauxite mining in Ghana}}

Ghana holds significant bauxite deposits, an ore essential for aluminum production.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-14 |title=A new VALCO beckons: Government seeks strategic investor to galvanize integrated Aluminium Industry - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/a-new-valco-beckons-government-seeks-strategic-investor-to-galvanize-integrated-aluminium-industry/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=THE GHANA CHAMBER OF MINES 2021 MINING INDUSTRY STATISTICS AND DATA |url=https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Facts-and-Figures-2021.pdf }} As of 2022, Ghana produced approximately 1.5 million metric tons of bauxite, making it an important player in the global bauxite market.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=Passage of new mining lease to increase bauxite production - GIADEC - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/passage-of-new-mining-lease-to-increase-bauxite-production-giadec/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}} The country’s bauxite reserves are primarily concentrated in the Awaso and Nyinahin areas, which are the main sources of the country’s bauxite production.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=Nyinahin bauxite deposits more than historically estimated - GIADEC-Rocksure MRE report |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2023/11/nyinahin-bauxite-deposits-more-than-historically-estimated-giadec-rocksure-mre-report/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Nyinahin Bauxite deposits now 375 million tonnes over previous 250 million tonnes estimate |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/1273210/nyinahin-bauxite-deposits-now-375-million-tonnes.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Modern Ghana |language=en}}

Iron ore mining in Ghana is still in its early stages.{{Cite web |last=Awal |first=Mohammed |date=2023-03-14 |title=GIISDEC engages investors on iron ore exploration |url=https://thebftonline.com/2023/03/14/giisdec-engages-investors-on-iron-ore-exploration/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=The Business & Financial Times |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Awal |first=Mohammed |date=2022-10-17 |title=Iron Ore mining to start by 2025 - GIISDEC CEO |url=https://thebftonline.com/2022/10/17/iron-ore-mining-to-start-by-2025-giisdec-ceo/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=The Business & Financial Times |language=en-GB}} In 2022, the country produced an estimated 920,000 metric tons of iron ore, with production expected to increase as the industry matures.{{Cite web |title=Ghana eyes local iron ore processing to boost economy |url=https://www.semafor.com/article/02/19/2024/ghana-eyes-local-iron-ore-processing-to-boost-economy }} Ghana’s iron ore reserves are primarily located in the Western and Northern regions, notably in the Bawdie and Shieni areas, which are recognized for their significant iron ore deposits.{{Cite web |title=Business News of Monday, 17 October 2022DisclaimerSource: thebftonline.comIron Ore mining to start by 2025 – GIISDEC CEO |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Iron-Ore-mining-to-start-by-2025-GIISDEC-CEO-1644116 }}{{Cite web |date=2022-10-17 |title=Iron ore mining to start by 2025 – GIISDEC CEO |url=https://www.primenewsghana.com/business/iron-ore-mining-to-start-by-2025-giisdec-ceo.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Prime News Ghana |language=en-us}}

Diamond is another notable contributor to the country’s economy.{{Cite web |title=https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-diamonds-ghana |url=https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-diamonds-ghana }} In 2023, Ghana produced approximately 203,000 carats of diamonds, primarily sourced from alluvial deposits in the Akwatia region.{{Cite web |title=Ghana Diamond production, carats - data, chart |url=https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/ghana/diamond_production_carats/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=TheGlobalEconomy.com |language=en}} The diamond industry in Ghana is largely export-driven, with a smaller domestic industry focused on cutting and polishing. The majority of Ghana’s diamonds are exported to international markets, contributing to the country's mining exports.

The Akwatia region, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, is the principal source of diamonds in the country. The area has been known for its diamond deposits since the 1920s, and mining operations have been ongoing since then.{{Cite web |title=Akwatia Mine, Birim diamond field, Denkyembour District, Eastern Region, Ghana |url=https://www.mindat.org/loc-29723.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.mindat.org}}{{Cite web |date=2021-05-31 |title=Allow tributers resume Diamond mining activities - Akwatia MP pleads with government |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2021/05/allow-tributers-resume-diamond-mining-activities-akwatia-mp-pleads-with-government/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2020-05-27 |title=Akwatia Youth declare support for Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana CEO, Enock Baah - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/akwatia-youth-declare-support-for-great-consolidated-diamonds-ghana-ceo-enock-baah/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}

File:Jubilee field 002.svg

Ghana's oil and gas industry has experienced notable developments in recent years.{{Cite web |date=2020-02-20 |title=Ghana's oil and gas infrastructure continues to develop as companies explore onshore and offshore potential - Africa 2020 - Oxford Business Group |url=https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/reports/ghana/2020-report/economy/period-of-growth-oil-and-gas-infrastructure-continues-to-develop-as-companies-explore-onshore-and-offshore-potential |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=oxfordbusinessgroup.com |language=en-US}} In 2022, the country produced approximately 60,000 barrels of oil per day and 200 million cubic feet of natural gas daily, primarily from offshore fields such as Jubilee and TEN.{{Cite web |last1=Boakye |first1=Edna Agnes |date=2023-04-20 |title=Ghana's oil production drops by 6% but revenue hits record high in 2022 |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2023/04/ghanas-oil-production-drops-by-6-but-revenue-hits-record-high-in-2022/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-04-23 |title=Ghana Earned its Highest Petroleum Revenue in 2022, Despite a Persistent Output Decline - Africa's premier report on the oil, gas and energy landscape. |url=https://africaoilgasreport.com/2023/04/in-the-news/ghana-earned-its-highest-petroleum-revenue-in-2022-despite-a-persistent-output-decline/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=africaoilgasreport.com |language=en-US}} Ghana's petroleum industry generated a record revenue of US$1.43 billion in 2022, the highest since the inception of oil production in the country.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-13 |title=Unfavourable investment conditions in Ghanaian oil and gas sector: Key strategic recommendations - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/unfavourable-investment-conditions-in-ghanaian-oil-and-gas-sector-key-strategic-recommendations/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-07-06 |title=Top 5 Upcoming Oil and Gas Projects in Ghana |url=https://energycapitalpower.com/upcoming-oil-gas-projects-ghana/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=energycapitalpower.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Oil and Gas Reports |url=https://ghanaupstream.com/oil-and-gas-report/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=GUPC |language=en}}

The Jubilee field, situated approximately 60 kilometers offshore in Ghana's Western Region, was discovered in 2007 and is the country’s flagship oil field. It started production in 2010 and is operated by Tullow Oil, with other partners including Kosmos Energy, Anadarko, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).{{Cite web |date=2023-06-22 |title=Tullow Ghana and Jubilee Partners aim to boost oil production to over 100,000 per day later this year |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/tullow-ghana-and-jubilee-partners-aim-to-boost-oil-production-to-over-100-000-per-day-later-this-year.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Graphic Online |language=en-gb}} The field has been a significant contributor to Ghana's oil industry, with production reaching 300 million barrels by October 2020.{{Cite web |date=2020-10-05 |title=Jubilee Field's oil production reaches 300 million barrels - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/jubilee-fields-oil-production-reaches-300-million-barrels/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Jubilee Field Development |url=https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/jubilee-field-development/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=NS Energy |language=en-US}}

Salt production in Ghana is an essential industry that plays a significant role in both local consumption and export.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-03 |title=MIIF Positions to Invest In Ghana's Potential Multi-Billion Dollar Salt Industry - MIIF |url=https://miif.gov.gh/miif-positions-to-invest-in-ghanas-potential-multi-billion-dollar-salt-industry/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Africa |first=IMANI |title=Prospects of Ghana's Salt Industry: A Pathway to adding an extra $1 Billion in foreign exchange earnings |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/1339567/prospects-of-ghanas-salt-industry-a-pathway-to.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Modern Ghana |language=en}} In 2022, Ghana produced approximately 1.2 million metric tons of salt, making it one of the leading producers in West Africa.{{Cite web |title=Ghana: production volume of salt |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1270449/production-volume-of-salt-in-ghana/#:~:text=Volume%20of%20salt%20produced%20in%20Ghana%202015-2022&text=In%202022,%20300,000%20metric%20tons,many%20rural%20households%20in%20Ghana. |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Statista |language=en}} The majority of the salt is harvested through evaporation ponds along the coastal regions, with the Greater Accra and Volta regions being the primary production areas.{{Cite web |last=Awal |first=Mohammed |date=2022-08-03 |title=MIIF eyes multi-billion dollar salt industry |url=https://thebftonline.com/2022/08/03/miif-eyes-multi-billion-dollar-salt-industry/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=The Business & Financial Times |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Grit |first=Abigail |date=2024-09-11 |title=IMANI: Ghana's salt industry to generate US$1 billion annually by 2028 - Gajreport |url=https://gajreport.com/2024/09/11/imani-ghanas-salt-industry-to-generate-us1-billion-annually-by-2028/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}} In 2022, Ghana exported $4.36 million worth of salt, ranking it as the 59th largest exporter globally.{{Cite web |title=Prospects of Ghana's Salt Industry: A pathway to adding an extra $1 billion in foreign exchange earnings |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Prospects-of-Ghana-s-Salt-Industry-A-pathway-to-adding-an-extra-1-billion-in-foreign-exchange-earnings-1949672 }}

Silver mining in Ghana is minimal compared to gold and it is produced in smaller quantities as a by-product of gold mining.{{Cite web |title=Ghana: production volume of silver |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1270389/production-volume-of-silver-in-ghana/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Statista |language=en}} In 2022, Ghana's silver production was estimated at approximately 10,000 metric tons, primarily extracted during the processing of gold ores. While silver plays a secondary role in Ghana’s mining industry, it still contributes to the overall mining sector, alongside gold and other minerals.{{Cite web |title=GHANA CHAMBER OF MINES PERFORMANCE OF THE MINING INDUSTRY IN 2022 |url=https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Performance-of-the-Mining-Industry-in-2023-.pdf }}

The country’s silver production is primarily tied to gold mining operations in the Ashanti, Western, and Eastern regions, which are the main hubs for gold extraction. Major players like Newmont, Gold Fields, and AngloGold Ashanti oversee extensive mining operations in these areas, where silver is often recovered during the refining process of gold. Additionally, the Obuasi mine, also produces a small amount of silver as a by-product of its gold production.{{Cite web |title=Newmont Announces 2023 Mineral Reserves for Integrated Company of 136 Million Gold Ounces with Robust Copper Optionality of 30 Billion Pounds |url=https://www.newmont.com/investors/news-release/news-details/2024/Newmont-Announces-2023-Mineral-Reserves-for-Integrated-Company-of-136-Million-Gold-Ounces-with-Robust-Copper-Optionality-of-30-Billion-Pounds/default.aspx |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.newmont.com |language=en-US}}

The current world need for lithium in electrical appliances, especially in batteries, has prompted more investigation into areas of the world with good amounts of rock formation that may contain this valuable substance. Southern Ghana happens to be one of them.{{Cite journal |last=Agyekum |first=Elizabeth |last2=Adomako-Ansah |first2=Kofi |date=2025 |title=Evolution, Enrichment and Exploration of Lithium: Insights From Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Pegmatites in the Ewoyaa and Biriwa Areas, Southern Ghana |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/rge.70008 |journal=Resource Geology |language=en |volume=75 |issue=1 |pages=e70008 |doi=10.1111/rge.70008 |issn=1751-3928|url-access=subscription }}Lithium is emerging as a significant focus of Ghana’s mineral exploration efforts. The country has identified lithium deposits primarily in the Ashanti and Western regions, with several exploration projects underway.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-15 |title=Ghana's mineral wealth: A blessing or a curse? Examining the lithium mining lease agreement |url=https://www.brasildefato.com.br/2024/01/15/ghana-s-mineral-wealth-a-blessing-or-a-curse-examining-the-lithium-mining-lease-agreement#:~:text=History%20of%20lithium%20discovery%20in,product%20of%20lower-grade%20spodumene. |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Brasil de Fato |language=pt-BR}}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-19 |title=GHANA TO HAVE ITS FIRST LITHIUM PROJECT WITH INCREASED ROYALTIES, STATE PARTICIPATION AND VALUE ADDITION. |url=https://mlnr.gov.gh/index.php/ghana-to-have-its-first-lithium-project-with-increased-royalties-state-participation-and-value-addition/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Discovery of Ghana's lithium deposits generates investment opportunity - Africa 2024 - Oxford Business Group |url=https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/reports/ghana/2024-report/mining/green-dreams-the-discovery-of-lithium-deposits-and-a-new-sustainable-minerals-policy-point-to-renewed-investment-potential-analysis/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=oxfordbusinessgroup.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-15 |title=Lithium mining to begin in Central Region by December 2024 – MIIF CEO - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/lithium-mining-to-begin-in-central-region-by-december-2024-miif-ceo/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}}

The mining sector in Ghana has contributed to the nation's economic growth, with gold being a central export commodity. In 2023, Ghana produced approximately 4.2 million ounces of gold, accounting for about 4% of the world's total output.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-08 |title=Ghana's gold production rises to 4 million ounces in 2023 |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2024/06/ghanas-gold-production-rises-to-4-million-ounces-in-2023/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}} The primary gold-producing regions include Ashanti, Western, and Eastern regions, with major players such as Newmont, Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti, and Kinross Gold. Gold exports in 2022 represented approximately 12.3% of Ghana's GDP.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-08 |title=Ghana's gold production rises to 4 million ounces in 2023 |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2024/06/ghanas-gold-production-rises-to-4-million-ounces-in-2023/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}} Artisanal gold mining, locally known as "galamsey", has been credited with contributing to the development of local economies.{{Cite web |last=ACR |title=Small-scale mining drives Ghana's gold output to 4mln ounces in 2023: Chamber of Mines – Africa Commodities Report |date=7 June 2024 |url=https://africacommoditiesreport.com/2024/06/07/small-scale-mining-drives-ghanas-gold-output-to-4mln-ounces-in-2023-chamber-of-mines/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |language=en-US}}

In 2023, Ghana's mining sector continued to be a significant contributor to the nation's economy. The sector's mineral revenue increased by 4.3%, rising from US$5.6 billion in 2022 to US$5.8 billion in 2023. Gold remains the leading export commodity from Ghana, contributing the highest percentage of the country's total export earnings.{{Cite web |title=Mineral revenue grows 4.3% in 2023 |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Mineral-revenue-grows-4-3-in-2023-1935470?utm_source=chatgpt.com }}

As of October 2024, gold exports alone accounted for $9.58 billion, representing more than half of Ghana's total export earnings of $16.5 billion.{{Cite web |last=Kwarteng |first=Fred |date=2024-12-03 |title=The Gold Paradox: Ghana's Top Export Yields Billions, but Little Stays in the Economy |url=https://thehighstreetjournal.com/the-gold-paradox-ghanas-top-export-yields-billions-but-little-stays-in-the-economy/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=THSJ |language=en-US}} The mining sector also emerged as the largest source of domestic tax revenue in 2023, contributing a record GH₵11.55 billion (US$980 million) in taxes.{{Cite web |title=Mining sector top tax contributor with record GH¢11.55 billion - Report |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Mining-sector-top-tax-contributor-with-record-GH-11-55-billion-Report-1956299?utm_source=chatgpt.com }}File:Land disturbances at ASGM site at Talensi District, Upper East Region, Ghana.jpg

Mining activities in Ghana, particularly gold extraction, have raised environmental concerns. The processes involved, including land clearing, excavation, and waste disposal, have led to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution.{{Cite web |title=Open Access Peer Reviewed Journals {{!}} Science and Education Publishing: Home |url=https://www.sciepub.com/portal/index |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=www.sciepub.com}}{{Cite web |title=Stronger regulations needed to curb environmental, social impacts of mining |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Stronger-regulations-needed-to-curb-environmental-social-impacts-of-mining-1963744}} Illegal small-scale mining, known locally as "galamsey," has exacerbated these issues. The unregulated use of hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide in galamsey operations has resulted in the contamination of water bodies.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Kofi |title=The Devastating Cost of Ghana's Gold Rush |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/1365087/the-devastating-cost-of-ghanas-gold-rush.html |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=Modern Ghana |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Klutse |first=Felix Dela |date=2023-10-07 |title=Environmental Impact of Illegal Mining in Ghana (Part 1) {{!}} Business Day Ghana |url=https://businessdayghana.com/environmental-impact-of-illegal-mining-in-ghana-part-1/ |access-date=2024-12-19 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=The environmental fallout of Ghana's mining boom: Ghana's story from 2005 - 2019 |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/The-environmental-fallout-of-Ghana-s-mining-boom-Ghana-s-story-from-2005-2019-1954439}}

Deforestation is another critical concern, as mining activities have led to the clearing of vast forested areas, disrupting ecosystems and contributing to biodiversity loss. The Atewa Range Forest Reserve has faced threats from bauxite mining, sparking environmental protests and legal actions.{{Cite web |date=2020-01-22 |title=Mining of bauxite in Atewa Forest: Residents of communities protest |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/mining-of-bauxite-in-atewa-forest-residents-of-communities-protest.html?template=ghananewsp&is_preview=on |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=Graphic Online |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web |date=2020-01-21 |title=Suhum-MCE-slams-protests-against-mining-in-Atewa-forest {{!}} Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/01/pressure-group-demonstrates-to-resist-mining-of-bauxite-in-atewa-forest/suhum-mce-slams-protests-against-mining-in-atewa-forest-2/ |access-date=2024-12-19 |language=en-US}}

Regulation of small-scale mining in Ghana, unfortunately, is almost non-existent, coupled with this lucrative venture's environmental and health hazards.{{Cite journal |last1=Barenblitt |first1=Abigail |last2=Payton |first2=Amanda |last3=Lagomasino |first3=David |last4=Fatoyinbo |first4=Lola |last5=Asare |first5=Kofi |last6=Aidoo |first6=Kenneth |last7=Pigott |first7=Hugo |last8=Som |first8=Charles Kofi |last9=Smeets |first9=Laurent |last10=Seidu |first10=Omar |last11=Wood |first11=Danielle |date=2021-08-10 |title=The large footprint of small-scale artisanal gold mining in Ghana |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721017125 |journal=Science of the Total Environment |volume=781 |pages=146644 |doi=10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146644 |pmid=33812105 |bibcode=2021ScTEn.78146644B |issn=0048-9697|hdl=1721.1/135540.2 |hdl-access=free }} With data from studies that used different methods of examination, it was determined that mercury pollution{{Cite journal |last1=Gyamfi |first1=Opoku |last2=Sørensen |first2=Peter Borgen |last3=Darko |first3=Godfred |last4=Ansah |first4=Eugene |last5=Vorkamp |first5=Katrin |last6=Bak |first6=Jesper Leth |date=2021-03-01 |title=Contamination, exposure and risk assessment of mercury in the soils of an artisanal gold mining community in Ghana |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653520331076 |journal=Chemosphere |volume=267 |pages=128910 |doi=10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128910 |pmid=33223211 |bibcode=2021Chmsp.26728910G |issn=0045-6535|url-access=subscription }} as a result of artisan/ small-scale mining caused neurological and renal (kidney-related) issues among residents of neighboring communities. Small-scale mining, known commonly in Ghana as Galamsey, has been a known cancer to Ghana's environmental sustainability, with its major side effects being mercury pollution, either through vapor or through water [https://rgs-ibg.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1475-4959.00038 pollution], and fish consumption. This implies that the issue of non-regulation ultimately affects all of the Ghanaian government’s attempts{{Cite journal |last1=Ampaw |first1=Enock Mintah |last2=Chai |first2=Junwu |last3=Jiang |first3=Yuguo |last4=Dumor |first4=Koffi |last5=Edem |first5=Amouzou Koffi |date=2023-06-01 |title=Why is Ghana losing the war against illegal gold mining (Galamsey)? An artificial neural network-based investigations |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-023-27265-x |journal=Environmental Science and Pollution Research |language=en |volume=30 |issue=29 |pages=73730–73752 |doi=10.1007/s11356-023-27265-x |pmid=37195613 |bibcode=2023ESPR...3073730A |issn=1614-7499|url-access=subscription }} to reduce the growth of this cancer, with small-scale mining still accounting for thousands of hectares of mining operations despite bans on mining throughout the measurement, hence increasing amounts of mercury being released without adequate regulation. This goes on to cause various health effects on members of mining communities.

In 2023, the mining industry recorded seven fatalities, an increase from just one in 2022, marking a 600% surge in mining-related deaths.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-30 |title=Ghana's mining sector sees sharp rise in fatal accidents - Report |url=https://www.classfmonline.com/business/Ghana-s-mining-sector-sees-sharp-rise-in-fatal-accidents-Report-57166?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=www.classfmonline.com |language=en}} In addition to fatalities, there has been an uptick in other reportable injuries. The number of first aid injuries increased from 156 in 2022 to 162 in 2023. However, the frequency of near-miss incidents declined by 21.8%, from 325 in 2022 to 254 in 2023.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title=Incidence of injuries in mining industry surged 600% in 2023 – Ghana Chamber of Mines urges doubling safety efforts - MyJoyOnline |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/incidence-of-injuries-in-mining-industry-surged-600-in-2023-ghana-chamber-of-mines-urges-doubling-safety-efforts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=www.myjoyonline.com |language=en-US}} The only documented accidents in the sector are those recorded in the company-supervised mines. The danger in the small-scale arena is unimaginable because there has been such a huge surge even in these areas. In the words of the CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines, “These incidents underscore the critical importance of rigorous safety practices.” It is quite noticeable that a significant portion of the mining practices are small-scale, implying that there is more danger out there than has been realized. It is also worth pointing out that a considerable portion of the practice is also illegal.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-02 |title=Detecting Gold Mining in Ghana |url=https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/148376/detecting-gold-mining-in- |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=earthobservatory.nasa.gov |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Mining fatalities in Ghana soar by 600% in 2023 |url=https://www.asaaseradio.com/mining-fatalities-in-ghana-soar-by-600-in-2023/}}{{Cite news |date=2024-10-30 |title=Mining fatalities soar by 600% |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Mining-fatalities-soar-by-600-1957713 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241214134245/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Mining-fatalities-soar-by-600-1957713 |archive-date=2024-12-14 |access-date=2024-12-19 |work=GhanaWeb |language=en-US}}

• Geology of Ghana
• Economy of Ghana

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110108193817/http://www.mining-journal.com/__data/assets/supplement_file_attachment/0008/205892/Ghana_scr.pdf Mining Journal special publication – Ghana, March 2010]

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{{Africa topic|Mining industry of}}

Category:Industry in Ghana

Ghana