Ghana has taken a significant step toward solidifying its position as Africa’s leading gold producer with the commissioning of Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, the third-largest mine in the country, and the pouring of its first gold.
The official opening was conducted by H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday, November 8, 2024, in the Talensi district of the Upper East Region.
The operationalization of Cardinal Namdini, the largest single-stream mine in the West African sub-region, is expected to consolidate Ghana’s position as one of the world’s leading gold producers, with projections indicating an annual production of three hundred thousand ounces (300,000 oz) for the first three years.
Delivering a speech at the commissioning, President Akufo-Addo highlighted that the establishment of the mine marks a substantial step toward positioning Ghana as a premier hub for mining activities in Africa. He disclosed that since 2017, his government has been on a mission to expand Ghana’s natural resource base, with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority receiving substantial support to actualize this vision.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the setting up of Cardinal Namdini Mine illustrates the wealth of mineral resources in the northern part of the country, which will be harnessed for local and national growth. He emphasized the government’s commitment to job creation and economic empowerment for citizens through initiatives like this.
“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 others within the northern belt of our country were only known for small-scale mining. Large-scale mining firms have concentrated on the south, based on literature linking gold primarily to southern Ghana,” he added.
Investment in exploration led to the construction of this mine, set to become the third largest in Ghana and one of the largest single-stream gold mines in West Africa. The president also noted that another large-scale mine is under construction in the Upper West Region.
President Akufo-Addo enumerated his government’s achievements in the mining sector, including creating a supportive environment and legal framework for mining companies. He highlighted the improved financial support to the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the establishment of Minerals Commission offices in Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, and Bole as crucial steps toward making northern Ghana a focal point for mining.
“Since 2017, we have increased budgetary allocation to the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to enable it to undertake more exploration for both small and large-scale mining. Additionally, we have refurbished the office of the Authority, which was inaugurated by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources last week, to provide a conducive environment for operations.
“To ensure adequate resources for geological investigations, we are amending the Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016 (Act 912), to increase the Authority’s allocation from mineral royalties from eight percent (8%) to thirteen percent (13%). Starting next year, the government, led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will allocate Ten Million United States Dollars (US$10,000,000.00) annually to support geological investigations,” he stated.
With the construction of new regional and district offices of the Minerals Commission, northern Ghana is set to become the face of mining in Ghana, with regulatory agencies prepared to rise to the task.
“As we commission this mine and pour its first gold, we are fulfilling our commitment to creating a brighter future for Ghana, including the people of Talensi and its environs. This project will create jobs, foster local development, and contribute significantly to both the local and national economy,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for transformative change in the area.
The president urged the company to strictly adhere to Ghana’s mining regulations and emphasized responsible environmental practices. He also commended the company’s commitment to building local infrastructure, including a new airport in Bolgatanga, which will benefit the Upper East Region.
“The government is ready to provide all necessary support to the company in this project, which will enhance local quality of life and support regional development,” he said.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, outlined further government measures to support large-scale mining companies in northern Ghana and attract investment to the region.
“I am pleased to report that, in addition to this mine, another large-scale greenfield mine is under construction in the Upper West Region by Azumah Resources. Further south, Newmont is developing a new mine in Ahafo North,” he noted.
To support these emerging mines, a five-story Regional Office complex for the Minerals Commission, with a laboratory, is under construction in Tamale. Additional regional office complexes are being built in Bolgatanga, Wa, and Bole to serve the regulatory needs of large-scale and small-scale mining in these regions.
Hon. Jinapor affirmed the Ministry’s focus on increasing gold production and adding value to Ghana’s mineral resources through the establishment of refineries. “We have constructed and commissioned a 400-kilogram (400kg) capacity gold refinery, and soon, the President will inaugurate a $450 million manganese refinery at Nsuta in the Western Region,” he stated.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, commended the project and lauded President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to the mining sector and Ghana-China relations. He noted that Cardinal Namdini, a $1 billion investment, is yet another testament to China’s strategic partnership with Ghana.