President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will soon initiate the construction of a $450 million manganese refinery at Nsuta in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region. The announcement was made by Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, during the 8th Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa.

The government has finalized negotiations with the majority shareholder of Ghana Manganese Company Limited to proceed with the refinery project. The facility will upgrade manganese ore from 27% to around 40% purity, enabling the production and export of refined products, including battery-grade manganese—an essential component for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.

Speaking at the conference themed “Innovations in Mining and Mineral Processing: Expanding the Frontiers of Mining Technology,” Jinapor emphasized the government’s commitment to adding value to Ghana’s mineral resources. He noted that the refinery project is a strategic move towards economic diversification, job creation, and strengthening Ghana’s position in the global mineral market.

Jinapor highlighted the importance of investing in geological investigations to better understand and utilize Ghana’s critical mineral resources. He urged institutions like UMaT to continue promoting research and development, training skilled professionals, and developing the technologies needed to build and manage processing plants that add value to locally produced minerals.

The minister also mentioned that the government has implemented policy and regulatory frameworks, such as the Green Minerals Policy, which offers incentives for investments in higher-value activities within the mining sector. He stressed the necessity of collaboration among industry regulators, academic institutions, private sector entities, and international partners to maximize the benefits of value-added mineral processing.

Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT, explained that the conference aims to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, academics, and industry stakeholders to discuss innovations and advancements in mining. The event included a panel discussion on “Critical and Green Minerals: Ghana’s Preparedness for Value Addition,” featuring representatives from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Atlantic Lithium, the Minerals Commission, and UMaT.

Jinapor concluded by calling for a public-private partnership to drive investment in smelting, refining, and manufacturing, stating that adding value to Ghana’s critical minerals is essential for national development and economic prosperity.