The government is considering the establishment of a manganese refinery to elevate the value of the country’s manganese resources.
This was revealed by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.
According to him, government has initiated engagements and processes, including working to secure LBMA Certification for a refinery established through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
“In terms of value addition, generally, we are working around the clock to secure LBMA Certification for our refinery established through a PPP [Public Private Partnership]. We are working with Ghana Manganese Company to establish a refinery for the manganese we produce. We were in China late last year to inspect their refinery there, and, hopefully, work will start very soon on the construction of the refinery, here in our country,” he said.
He mentioned plans to construct the refinery in collaboration with the Ghana Manganese Company, following inspections of a similar facility in China.
The minister emphasized the commitment to creating an environment conducive to the operations of large-scale mining companies, praising the Chamber’s support in addressing illegal mining challenges.
He urged the Chamber to prioritize the development of communities in their catchment areas and execute socio-economic projects for their benefit.
“Let me say that in all these matters, as I have always admonished, it is good for the mining companies, and the Chamber to carry the communities along.
“What I can assure you is that the government is fully committed to providing adequate security for your concessions. Because it is when your concessions are safe that you can work in peace to support the government. So, whatever we need to do is to ensure that your concessions are safe…..we will do it”, he explained.
“And in this regard, I will continue to count on the leadership of the Chamber. If there are specific or special cases we need to deal with let us know and we will take the necessary steps to deal with them”, he added.