Akufo-Addo unveils West Africa's largest single-stream gold mine

Ghana has taken a significant step towards solidifying its position as Africa’s leading gold producer with the commissioning of Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, the third largest mine in Ghana and the pouring of its first gold to mark the official opening by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday [Nov 8, 2024] in the Talensi District of the Upper East region.

The operationalisation of Cardinal Namdini, which is the largest single-stream mine in West African sub-region, is expected to consolidate Ghana's position as one of the world’s leading gold producers, with projections that the company will produce three hundred thousand ounces (300,000 oz) annually in the first three years.

Delivering a speech at the commissioning on Friday, President Akufo-Addo stated that the establishment of the mine marks another great step towards positioning Ghana as a premier hub for mining activities in Africa.

He said his government, since its inception in 2017, has embarked on a mission to expand Ghana’s natural resource base and that the Ghana Geological Survey Authority has received enormous support and funding to actualize this vision.

He stated that the setting up of Cardinal Namdini Mine is indicative of the wealth of mineral resources embedded in the northern part of the country and that these resources will be harnessed for the growth of the area and the country.

He believes that the creation of the Cardinal Namdini Mine is a significant step by the government towards fulfilling its promise to Ghanaians to create jobs and empower citizens economically.

“Today marks yet another significant milestone towards the realization of the vision to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, where all mining and mining-related activities, from exploration to downstream production, and from research to innovation, would be centered”, he said.

“This mine we commission today is evidence of the power of exploration as the lifeblood of the mining industry. For years, this area, and several other areas within this northern belt of our country, have only been known for small-scale mining. Large-scale mining firms have concentrated on the south, largely influenced by the literature that links gold only to the south of our nation”, he added.

“It is investment in exploration that led to the construction of this mine, which we are told today will become the third largest mine in the country and one of the largest single-stream gold mines in West Africa. And I am thrilled to learn that apart from this remarkable mine, another large-scale mine is under construction in the Upper West Region.”

Enumerating the achievements of his government in the mining sector, President Akufo-Addo noted that his government has, since its inception, worked diligently to create the enabling environment and legal framework for mining companies to thrive in the country.

He mentioned the consistent and improved financial support of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the establishment of offices of the Minerals Commission in Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, and Bole as instructive and important measures taken by the government to make Northern Ghana the face of mining in the country.

“Since 2017, we have increased budgetary allocation to the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to undertake more exploration to identify mineable lands, both for small and large-scale mining. Additionally, we have refurbished the office of the Authority, which was commissioned by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources last week, to provide a conducive environment for staff of the Authority to carry out their operations.

“To ensure the provision of adequate resources for geological investigations, we are amending the Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016 (Act 912) to increase the allocation to the Authority from mineral royalties from eight percent (8%) to thirteen percent (13%). And from next year, God willing, the Government of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will allocate Ten Million United States Dollars (US$10,000,000.00) annually to the Authority to support their geological investigations.

The construction of New Regional and District Offices of the Minerals Commission in Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, and Bole couldn’t have been more timely. With this mine, and the construction of the new mine in the Upper West Region, northern Ghana is ready to become the new face of mining in Ghana, and regulatory agencies must stand ready to live up to the task and the challenge ahead.

“As we commission this mine and pour its first gold, we are fulfilling our commitment to creating a brighter future for the people of Ghana, including Talensi and its environs. It will create jobs, foster local development, and contribute significantly to both the local and national economy. It will bring about a transformative change in this area, providing opportunities for growth and development that will benefit generations to come,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo charged the company to adhere strictly to the country’s mining regulations and also mine within the scope of Ghana’s policies and commitments towards the environment.

While commending the company for its promise to build an airport in the area, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of local participation and execution of developmental projects in the area.

“It will also lead to developments in local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and community facilities. I am informed of the commitment of the Company to construct an airport in Bolgatanga, to aid their mining operations and serve the needs of the people of the Upper East Region,” he said.

“Government is ready to provide all the necessary support to the Company in this project, which will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life for local residents and support broader regional development.”

“As you commence production, Government expects that you will employ the best of mining practices and adhere to all environmental and other regulatory standards for a safe and sustainable mining operation. I am aware that your parent Company, the Shandong Gold Group, has been a global leader in key technologies for gold mining and processing, and I have no doubt that you will replicate these same standards here in Ghana,” he said.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor said some of the measures implemented by the government to facilitate the smooth operations of large-scale mining companies in the northern part of the country and attract investors to that part of the country.

“I am happy to also report that aside from this mine, there is the construction of another large-scale greenfield mine in the Upper West Region by Azumah Resources. And just below the northern belt of the country, Newmont is constructing a new mine in Ahafo North.

“To meet the regulatory needs of these emerging mines, a five-story Regional Office complex for the Minerals Commission, which will be fitted with a laboratory, is currently under construction in Tamale. We have also upgraded the Bolgatanga, Wa, and Bole Offices of the Commission to Regional status, and new Regional Office complexes are being constructed in these areas. These offices will service the emerging large-scale mines in this part of the country, in addition to the regulation of small-scale mining.

Mr Jinapor stated that his Ministry is not only focused on ensuring an upscale in gold production but is also effectively prosecuting the President’s vision of value addition to the mineral resources through the establishment of refineries across mining areas in the country.

“While working to increase production, we continue to pursue the vision of President Akufo-Addo to add value to our mineral resources and translate these volumes of minerals into wealth for the benefit of the Ghanaian people. We have, therefore, constructed and commissioned a four hundred kilogram (400kg) capacity gold refinery to refine the gold we produce, and in the next couple of weeks, the President will cut sod for the commencement of work on a Four Hundred and Fifty Million United States Dollars (US$450,000,000.00) manganese refinery at Nsuta in the Western Region, to be funded by the parent company of Ghana Manganese Company,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, detailed his happiness with the establishment of the mine project and commended President Akufo-Addo for his commitment to the mining industry and determination to deepen the relations between Ghana and China.

He noted that China has been a major trading partner of Ghana and has a huge presence in the Ghanaian mining sector with the aim of employing opportunities and helping develop the sector.

He stated that Cardinal Namdini gold mine which saw over $1billion dollar investment is yet another testimony to China's commitment to be Ghana's foremost strategic partner.