Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has set an ambitious target of producing 6 million tonnes of bauxite by the end of 2025.
To achieve this goal, the company has invested a substantial US$122.97 million in upgrading its infrastructure and operational efficiencies.
This significant investment has enabled GBC to acquire a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and retooling of existing plant and machinery.
According to the General Manager of GBC, Mr. Alexander Gyedu in a press briefing at Awaso in the Western North Region, he said the company’s production volumes have already seen a significant boost. The use of both surface mining and drill and blast methods has increased production from 1.3 million tonnes per annum to about 1.8 million tonnes in 2024.
Mr. Gyedu attributed this historic production milestone to Ofori-Poku Company Limited’s (OPCL) takeover from Bosai Group in 2022. OPCL’s acquisition of GBC has brought about significant changes, including the replacement of old and dilapidated equipment.
As of February 2025, OPCL had acquired 42 new earth-moving equipment, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utilities, one surface miner, and 35 new light-duty vehicles, among others. The company is expecting the delivery of a second surface miner by the end of June 2025.
The Haulage department has also seen significant improvements, with OPCL adding 161 fleet of 9-axle trucks since taking over in 2022.
This has led to a substantial increase in haulage operations, from around 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1.7 million tons of bauxite in 2024.
As GBC works towards achieving its production target of 6 million tonnes by the end of 2025, the company remains committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. The acquisition of new equipment and technology is expected to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.
GBC’s plans to expand its operations and increase production are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
The company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmentally responsible mining practices is a testament to its dedication to sustainable development.
GHANA BAUXITE COMPANY PRIORITIZES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The management of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has reiterated its commitment to environmental protection, emphasizing that the company’s operations are guided by strict adherence to ecological regulations.
Mr. Alexander Gyedu said, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) is dedicated to responsible resource management, striving to minimize its impact on the environment through conservation, reclamation measures, and sustainable mining practices.
Mr. Gyedu noted that the company diligently complies with regulatory standards and submits to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required by law.
This, he said, demonstrates the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its environmental stewardship.
Environmental experts have praised Ghana Bauxite Company Limited’s efforts, noting that the mining sector has a significant impact on the environment and that responsible practices are essential to mitigating this impact.
The government has also been vocal about its commitment to protecting the environment, particularly in the mining sector.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has emphasized the need for mining companies to prioritize environmental protection.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been working closely with mining companies, including Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, to ensure that they comply with environmental regulations.
Ghana Bauxite Company Limited’s commitment to environmental protection is particularly significant given the company’s location in the Western North Region, an area known for its rich biodiversity.
The company’s efforts to minimize its environmental impact are also in line with the government’s vision to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
Mr Gyedu mentioned that as the mining sector continues to play a critical role in Ghana’s economy, it is essential that companies like Ghana Bauxite Company Limited prioritize environmental protection.
GBC’s Awaso Mine concession covers an area of 47.04 sq km. The Company’s ractified 30-year Mining Lease covers the Subri, Inchiniso, Kanayerebo, Afumba, and Boakakhirri.
GBC has been operating the Inchiniso pit since 1969, producing high-grade trihydrate bauxite annually. The Run of Mine (ROM) annually is at an average of 2.5 million metric tonnes.
Historically, Bauxite was first discovered in Ghana by the Gold Coast Geological Survey team in 1921.
In 2022, Bosai group transferred their shareholding of 80% to the current owner- Ofori – Opoku Company limited (OPCL) a member of the IOP Group of Companies with Government of Ghana still retaining its 20% share.
Success journey of GBC
In 2022, Isaac Ofori Poku (IOP), a visionary Ghanaian businessman, acquired approximately 80% shares of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso in the Western North Region, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s mining industry.
This acquisition transferred majority ownership of the company to a local entity, paving the way for a new era of success.
Under IOP’s leadership, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has undergone a remarkable transformation. One of the major visions of Mr. Ofori Poku was to reduce the unemployment rate in the catchment areas and Ghana at large.
True to his word, the company has increased its contract staff strength from 465 to 1061 employees, with 976 males and 85 females. This significant increase in employment opportunities has had a positive impact on the local economy.
In addition to creating jobs, IOP has also invested heavily in acquiring new and sophisticated equipment to boost production. The company has acquired 56 new equipment and 198 new trucks, including Sino trucks, RDT trucks, TX 400 dump trucks, and Howo 371 trucks. This significant investment has enabled the company to increase its production capacity and export more bauxite ore.
The results are impressive. In 2024, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, Awaso exported a record 1.8 million metric tons of bauxite ore to China and other parts of the world. This achievement is unprecedented in the history of the company and a testament to IOP’s vision and leadership.
The success of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited under IOP’s leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved when local businesses are given the opportunity to thrive. With a dynamic and energetic management team, supported by a committed workforce, the company is poised for even greater success in the future.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
