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 enhancing operational efficiency.
This significant investment has enabled GBC to acquire a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and has also facilitated the retooling of existing plants and machinery.
According to the General Manager of GBC, Alexander Gyedu, 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 approximately 1.8 million tonnes in 2024,” Gyedu said during a press briefing at Awaso in the Western North Region.
Gyedu attributed this historic production milestone to the takeover of GBC by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL) from the Bosai Group in 2022.
OPCL’s acquisition of GBC has brought about major transformations, including the replacement of old and dilapidated equipment.
As of February 2025, OPCL had acquired 42 new earth-moving machines, 52 new dump trucks, 16 utility vehicles, one surface miner, and 35 new light-duty vehicles, among others. The company is expecting delivery of a second surface miner by the end of June 2025.
The Haulage Department has also seen notable improvements, with OPCL adding a fleet of 161 9-axle trucks since taking over in 2022.
This has led to a substantial increase in haulage operations from around 600,000 tonnes in 2022 to about 1.7 million tonnes of bauxite in 2024.
As GBC works towards achieving its target of 6 million tonnes of production 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 its environmental footprint.
GBC’s plans to expand operations and increase production are projected to positively impact the local economy.
The management of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has also reiterated its commitment to environmental protection, emphasising that the company’s operations are guided by strict adherence to ecological regulations.
Alexander Gyedu stated that GBC is dedicated to responsible resource management, striving to minimize its environmental impact through conservation, land reclamation, and sustainable mining practices.
He further noted that the company diligently complies with regulatory standards and submits all necessary documentation 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 commended GBC’s efforts, noting that responsible practices are essential to minimizing the environmental impact of mining.
The government has also emphasised the need for mining companies to prioritize environmental protection.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has consistently advocated for sustainable mining practices, while the EPA continues to work closely with companies like GBC to ensure compliance.
GA/MA
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below: