GBC Targets 6m Tons Of Bauxite … Invests US$122m In Infrastructure

Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has targeted to produce 6 million tons of bauxite by the end of 2025.

The company has, therefore, invested a substantial US$122.97 million in upgrading its infrastructure and operational efficiencies evident in the acquisition of a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and retooling of existing plant and machinery.

GBC’s Awaso Mine concession covers an area of 47.04 sq km following the ratification of a 30-year Mining Lease covering 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 tons since Bauxite was first discovered in Ghana by the Gold Coast Geological Survey team in 1921.

In 2022, Bosai group transferred its shareholding of 80% to the current owner – Ofori-Opoku Company limited (OPCL), a member of the IOP Group of Companies with the Government of Ghana still retaining its 20% share.

The General Manager of GBC, Mr. Alexander Gyedu, said at a press briefing at Awaso in the Western North Region that GBC’s plans to expand its operations and increase production are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.

He said the company’s production volumes have already seen a significant boost and that using surface mining and drill and blast methods, production has increased from 1.3 million tons per annum to about 1.8 million tons in 2024.

Mr. Gyedu attributed this historic production milestone to the takeover of GBC by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL) from Bosai Group in 2022. OPCL’s acquisition of GBC has brought about significant changes, including the replacement of old and dilapidated equipment.

He said OPCL has acquired 42 new earth-moving equipment, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utilities, one surface miner and 35 new light-duty vehicles, among others, and that the company is expecting the delivery of a second surface miner by the end of June 2025.

The company has also acquired 56 new equipment and 198 new trucks, including Sino trucks, RDT trucks, TX 400 dump trucks, and Howo 371 trucks to enable the company to increase its production capacity and export more bauxite ore.

The General Manager mentioned that the Haulage department has also seen significant improvements with the addition of a 161 fleet of 9-axle trucks since taking over in 2022 by OPCL resulting in a substantial increase in haulage operations from around 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1.7 million tons of bauxite in 2024.

Mr. Gyedu  assured that GBC would  remain committed to environmentally responsible mining practices  and  would prioritize environmental protection as it works towards achieving its production target of 6 million tons  by the end of 2025 adding that the acquisition of new equipment and technology is expected to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

The company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmentally responsible mining practices is a testament to its dedication to sustainable development.

He reiterated management of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited’s 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 and 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 in response to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources requirement for mining companies to prioritize environmental protection.

He said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been working closely with the Ghana Bauxite Company Limited to ensure that it complies with environmental regulations in an effort to minimize its environmental impact in line with the government’s vision to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.

GBC’s success story

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 particularly in the reduction of unemployment rate in the catchment areas and Ghana at large.

The company has since increased its contract staff strength from 465 to 1061 employees, with 976 males and 85 females thus impacting the local economy besides the significant increase in employment opportunities.

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 which unprecedented feat is attributed to IOP’s vision and leadership as a wholly Ghanaian owned entity under a dynamic and energetic management team, supported by a committed workforce the company is poised for even greater success in the future.

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