Mining industry of Ghana
[4][5][6][7] Ghana's mining sector produces minerals such as bauxite, manganese, natural gas, petroleum, salt, silver and diamonds.
Indigenous communities mined gold along riverbanks such as the Pra and Ankobra Rivers using rudimentary tools, long before the arrival of Europeans.
With the arrival of Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, European powers began to recognize the region’s vast gold reserves.
Key legislative reforms, such as the Minerals and Mining Act of 2006, aimed to attract investors and ensure sustainable practices in the sector.
These activities, often informal and unregulated, contributes to gold production but brings challenges such as environmental degradation and conflicts over land use.
The country ranks as Africa's second-largest producer of manganese, with production reaching approximately 2.5 million metric tons in 2022.
[48][49] In 2022, the country produced an estimated 920,000 metric tons of iron ore, with production expected to increase as the industry matures.
[53] In 2023, Ghana produced approximately 203,000 carats of diamonds, primarily sourced from alluvial deposits in the Akwatia region.
[58] 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.
[59][60] 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.
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).
[64] The field has been a significant contributor to Ghana's oil industry, with production reaching 300 million barrels by October 2020.
[73] In 2022, Ghana's silver production was estimated at approximately 10,000 metric tons, primarily extracted during the processing of gold ores.
The country has identified lithium deposits primarily in the Ashanti and Western regions, with several exploration projects underway.
[76][77][78][79] The mining sector in Ghana has contributed to the nation's economic growth, with gold being a central export commodity.
The processes involved, including land clearing, excavation, and waste disposal, have led to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution.
The unregulated use of hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide in galamsey operations has resulted in the contamination of water bodies.
[88][89][90] 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.
