Ghana has introduced transformative policy reforms over the past decade, focusing on local content development, infrastructure and equipment modernisation and investment. As a result, the country has seen a slate of projects being launched across mature sectors such as the gold, bauxite, manganese and diamond markets, as well as in emerging sectors like lithium, graphite, rare earth elements and iron ore.
Uniting policymakers, mining stakeholders and global partners in Accra, the upcoming Mining in Motion (MIM) conference will showcase how policy reform has impacted Ghana’s mineral market. Speakers will share updates on major projects, highlighting investment opportunities and collaborations.
Ghana’s Mining in Motion conference and summit will be held under the theme “Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact”.
Raw Bauxite Export Ban
Ghana announced plans to introduce a law banning the export of raw bauxite in June 2024. According to Samuel Abu Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the law aims to support the monetisation of Ghana’s estimated 900 million tons of bauxite reserves. By focusing on value addition, the law is expected to create employment, enhance downstream and midstream infrastructure development and increase revenue through the export of high-value bauxite products.
Green Minerals Policy
Ghana enacted the Green Minerals Policy in August 2023 to simplify entry for critical mineral industry players, foster local content development and establish a footprint in the global energy transition market. By addressing fiscal barriers, the policy is spurring new exploration and production projects. For instance, Atlantic Lithium Limited received an environmental permit from Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency for its Ewoyaa Lithium Project in September 2024, with first production slated for 2026.
Local Content and Participation Regulation
Ghana’s Local Content and Participation Regulation, introduced in 2020, mandate the use of Ghanaian expertise, goods, services and financing in mining. The laws have facilitated increased investments from global partners by promoting faster project deployment, providing easy access to a skilled and resilient workforce and ensuring seamless entry to market services. Electrochem Ghana Limited announced plans to expand its workforce by 3,000 to boost salt production to one million metric tons.
China’s Zijin Mining Group seeks to acquire a stake in Newmont’s Akyem Gold Mine in a $1 billion acquisition deal. Canadian firm Asante Gold Corporation also announced a $525 million investment to fund its growth strategy within Ghana’s gold industry in October 2024. Meanwhile, Australian firm Atlantic Lithium is raising additional funding to untap Ghana’s lithium potential.
Equipment Tracking Regulations
Modernising mining infrastructure is a focus of Ghana’s policy reforms. The Equipment Tracking Regulations of 2020 have enhanced operational efficiency by monitoring and regulating the use of earth-moving and mining equipment, contributing to more sustainable mining practices. As a result, production across the mining value chain has increased with the Minerals Income Investment Fund generating $1.02 billion in revenue from gold monetisation in 2024. Mining firm Goldstone Resources also reported a 34% increase in gold production at the Homase Mine as a result of infrastructure modernisation and mine expansion.
Over the past two years, Nigeria has implemented key policies and reforms to revitalise its mining industry, attract investment and strengthen the sector’s contribution to GDP.
Recent government-led initiatives have streamlined licensing processes, removed bottlenecks and simplified market entry for international investors, enhancing production across the country’s 44 solid mineral types.
As Africa’s premier mining investment event, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will convene Nigerian and African stakeholders with global investors and industry leaders to drive deal-making and accelerate sector growth.
Launch of Mineral Resources Decision Support System
In May 2024, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency unveiled the Mineral Resources Decision Support System to provide global investors with easy access to geological and policy data. The platform markets Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and critical infrastructure, assisting investors in making informed decisions about the country’s mining sector. By enhancing data transparency and accessibility, the system aims to streamline investment processes and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry.
Restructuring of Ministry
To improve efficiency, Nigeria restructured the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in August 2023, creating two separate entities. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development focuses on upstream activities and investment facilitation, while the Ministry of Steel Development oversees the development of steel and metallic resources to drive industrial growth. This restructuring aims to enhance sector-specific governance, attract targeted investments and accelerate the country’s mineral and steel value chain development.
Approval of Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill
Approved in April 2023 and currently under public review, the Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill aims to introduce incentives for foreign investors while strengthening local content requirements. Once enacted, it will become the sector’s primary legal framework, enhancing transparency and investor confidence. The bill is also expected to modernise regulatory oversight, ensuring sustainable resource management and aligning Nigeria’s mining sector with global best practices.
Implementation of Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations
Implemented in July 2021, the Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations mandates local processing of raw minerals such as gold and lithium, encouraging downstream investment. Following this policy, China’s Avatar Energy Materials Company launched a 4,000-ton-per-annum lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State in May 2024, while Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nig Ltd. is developing a lithium processing plant in Kaduna State to support EV e battery production.
These investments mark a significant step toward positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain. Against this backdrop, AMW 2025 will provide a platform for industry leaders to explore Nigeria’s evolving mining landscape and engage with global investors.