The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources says government is committed to ensuring that the exploitation of lithium is done in a manner that accords with the national interest.
“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources wishes to assure the general public that it remains committed to the efficient, effective and sustainable exploitation and management of the natural resources of our country, in the spirit of transparency, anchored on integrity and utmost good faith, for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry made the pronouncement in a statement dated July 26 while refuting claims that it has granted licenses to companies to exploit the country’s lithium.
The Ministry emphasized that “no company has been granted a lease, licence and/or permit to exploit, mine and/or produce lithium in Ghana.”
According to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor, such reports should be disregarded by the public.
Various explorations for lithium are currently ongoing, the Ministry noted.
The Lands Ministry has submitted a policy proposal for the regulation, exploitation and management of Ghana’s green minerals, including lithium, which is currently being scrutinised by Cabinet.
The overarching goal of the policy is to ensure that the exploitation of these critical minerals inure to the benefit of the people of Ghana, the true owners of these resources.
When approved, the policy will form the basis for all agreements, leases, licences, and permits for the exploitation and utilisation of the country’s green minerals.
In 2018, Ghana discovered lithium in commercial quantities. Lithium deposits have been discovered in the Central, Western and Volta regions thus far.
Lithium is a rare earth mineral that has gained prominence in recent times owing to the critical role it plays in the growing electric vehicle (EV) revolution which relies on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
Ghana is set to begin mining its lithium deposits once Atlantic Lithium Ltd’s Ewoyaa Lithium Project’s first mine comes online next year.