Newmont Corporation has announced that its Ahafo North project in Afrisipakrom, Ghana, has reached commercial production, marking the successful completion of one of West Africa’s most significant recent mining developments.
The milestone follows the project’s first gold pour on September 19, 2025, signaling the transition from construction to full-scale operations.
In a statement released from the company’s headquarters, Tom Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmont, described the milestone as a defining achievement for the company and Ghana’s mining industry.
“Achieving commercial production at Ahafo North represents a significant milestone for Newmont and our partners in Ghana.”
Tom Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmont
The Ahafo North mine, situated in Ghana’s Ahafo region, represents the culmination of years of investment, technical execution, and partnership between Newmont, host communities, and the Ghanaian government.
The project, which began development in 2021, included large-scale infrastructure construction, advanced processing facilities, and robust workforce training programs to ensure sustainable long-term operations.
Transformative Mining Development
Ahafo North, which lies approximately 50 kilometers from Newmont’s existing Ahafo South operation, is expected to become one of the company’s cornerstone assets globally.
The mine is projected to produce around 50,000 ounces of gold in 2025, ramping up throughout 2026 to reach full operational capacity.
Over the next five years, annual production is forecast to average between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold, sustaining output over an estimated 13-year mine life.
The site comprises four open-pit mines and a state-of-the-art stand-alone processing mill, giving it a critical role in Newmont’s global operations and reinforcing Ghana’s position as a leading gold-producing country.
The commissioning of Ahafo North marks Newmont’s third major mining investment in Ghana, further cementing its long-standing relationship with the country’s mining sector.
“This new world-class operation demonstrates our commitment to operational excellence while creating enduring value for our investors, communities, host governments, and all our stakeholders in this premier mining jurisdiction.”
Tom Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmont
Following the divestment of the Akyem mine in April 2025, Ahafo North now stands as Newmont’s second operational site in Ghana, joining Ahafo South as part of an integrated regional mining complex.
Company officials noted that the proximity between the two mines will allow Newmont to leverage operational synergies in logistics, energy use, and community development, while ensuring efficiency across its Ghanaian portfolio.
A Boost to Ghana’s Mining Sector
The commencement of commercial production at Ahafo North represents a major boost for Ghana’s mining sector, which remains a key pillar of the national economy. Gold continues to be Ghana’s top export commodity, accounting for more than 40% of export earnings.
Newmont’s latest development will help drive additional foreign direct investment (FDI) and contribute significantly to government revenue through royalties, taxes, and dividends.
The project is also expected to strengthen the country’s balance of payments position and support infrastructure and community development initiatives in the Ahafo region.
“It’s rare in our industry to see a new mine come to life within a single career.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our teams have achieved and honored to have been part of this project from the very beginning.”
Tom Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmont
With Ahafo North now in production, Newmont is focusing on optimizing operations, maximizing efficiency, and expanding exploration in the surrounding region to identify future resource opportunities.
The company’s management has also indicated plans to deepen partnerships with local communities through targeted investments in education, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability programs.
Newmont’s sustainability framework places emphasis on reducing the mine’s carbon footprint through energy-efficient systems and responsible water use.
The company pledged to maintain the highest environmental and social standards in line with Ghana’s regulatory framework and global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) best practices.
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