A subsidiary of China’s Shandong Gold, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, has announced plans to construct an airport in the northern part of Ghana.
The airport is expected to serve the needs of the locals and also aid in the operations of the mining company.
It is reported that Cardinal has proposed the construction of an airstrip solely for its use in the Talensi District, where it intends to commence gold mining operations in the first quarter of 2024.
However, the Ministry of Transport successfully persuaded the company to expand the project into a full-fledged airport, given that the people of the Upper East are without an airport.
Cardinal Namdini’s project manager, Steve Ofori-Asamoah, shared the details during a tour of the mining site during an engagement with the Daily Graphic, accompanied by some dignitaries.
This development holds the promise of not only bolstering the mining project but also enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.
Ofori-Asamoah explained that the initial airstrip’s purpose was to streamline the transportation of employees from companies based outside the region.
This would facilitate their engagement in activities in key cities like Kumasi, Accra, and Takoradi. Additionally, it would serve as a means to transport bullion.
However, all these ambitions will be in vain without the government’s approval; hence, the company is looking forward to negotiations with the government in that regard.
Securing a mining lease for a 15-year period in the Talensi District, the mining company aspires to extract a substantial 150 million metric tonnes of ore and this is expected to yield a hooping 5 million ounces of gold over the course of this timeframe.