The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Mr. Michael Ansah has indicated that his outfit is cautiously laying all the needed basic requirements that conforms to best practices before the mining of bauxite for the integrated aluminium value chain commences.
Speaking at a workshop he averred that, GIADEC is committed to doing the right thing because they are informed by data; and facts and as such want to design the right solution.
“We are determined to build GIADEC for long term success. We believe that if we don’t build long term success and we rush, we’re going to make some mistakes that will cause us dearly. GIADEC is determined to establish a thriving and a sustainable business;and we are also very mindful of the environmental risk.”
Michael Ansah
Speaking on Ghana’s aluminium industry, he revealed that GIADEC is in the process of selecting competent companies;with credibility and technical capacity for the production chain of aluminium.
“We are at the juncture of selecting our strategic partners;who will be with us as to drive these key investments. The selection process has been transparent and we are following due process.
“GIADEC has made progress. We are very focused on driving the tenets of what we believe is driving responsible mining. And we believe that we have a real opportunity here. And this opportunity is buttressed by the strength of engagement that we have with various investors. Also, we started with an interest of over 40 companies or so, today we are cutting it down;to the 4 or 5 that we are talking to and we are going to shortlist to 2 or three that we will be working with.”
Michael Ansah
Aluminium industry requires stable power supply
Furthermore, he disclosed that Ghana’s new integrated aluminium industry will require 500 Megawatts;of direct and stable power supply to operate effectively.
Moreover, he said globally, aluminium industry is highly energy-intensive, and Ghana’s aluminium industry is not going to be different. He revealed that, Ghana is in the process of expanding existing bauxite mine in Awaso;as well as development of additional mines in Nyinahin-Mpasaso and Kyebi. However,
According to Mr. Michael Ansah, as part of processes to develop a globally competitive integrated aluminium industry in Ghana,; GIADEC is in talks with power companies on ways to supply reliable power to the industry.
“We are working with the power companies in Ghana because this industry requires significant amount of power. We are looking at 500 megawatts of power;to support the smelting and refining aspect of the work that we do.”
Michael Ansah
He further said the prospects of the industry looks brighter for the economy of the country. He also disclosed that GIADEC is in talks with car manufacturing companies and companies that use alumina;for the production of various products.
Prior to this, the President, Nana Akufo-Addo in his State of the Nation’s Address indicated that,;the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation,;has made good progress on the bauxite exploitation programme. He said this;reposing confidence that;the programme will drive the nation’s industrial transformation agenda. Also,
