Nsuta-Tarkwa Manganese Refinery Project Set to Transform Ghana’s Mining Industry
In a significant move to bolster Ghana’s mining sector and enhance value addition in mineral exports, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, recently concluded a high-profile six-day visit to Tianyuan Manganese Industry (TMI), the parent company of the Nsuta Manganese Company.
The trip, which took place from June 28 to July 3, 2025, marks a pivotal step in advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the development of Ghana’s first major manganese refinery in Nsuta-Tarkwa.
Ghana’s Nsuta manganese mine, operational since 1916, has long exported raw ore—primarily to TMI’s processing plants in China.
However, under Ghana’s new export value-addition policy, the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC), 90% owned by TMI, is set to establish a local Manganese Refinery Plant (MRP). This initiative aims to:
• Upgrade ore quality from 27% to ~40% manganese content.
• Produce high-grade manganese products for export, including battery-grade manganese.
• Create employment and enhance technical skills for Ghanaians.
• Increase foreign exchange earnings and tax revenues, and
• Stimulate local economic growth.
Hon. Buah’s visit to TMI’s expansive industrial complex in China provided critical insights into advanced refining technologies and sustainable practices that could be replicated in Ghana following an invitation from TMI’s Chairman, Jia Tianjiang.
TMI reaffirmed its support for the Ghana project while requesting incentives to ensure feasibility, including doubling the production cap from 5 to 10 million tonnes, competitive gas pricing at USD 4/MMBtu, tax exemptions on key equipment and services, and income tax incentives during the plant’s initial phase. The delegation toured TMI’s expansive 56-square-kilometer industrial complex, encompassing:
• A Building Material Park housing cement and power plants powered by refinery by-products.
• A Logistics Park serving as a hub for manganese shipments from Ghana and beyond.
• A Manganese Refinery Park featuring three advanced plants that produce battery-grade manganese.
• An Eco-Park, underscoring TMI’s environmental sustainability efforts.
Hon.Buah lauded TMI’s operations and sustainability measures and pledged Ghana’s readiness to facilitate the necessary inter-ministerial consultations to address the company’s proposals.
“Collaborative efforts like these,” he remarked, “are essential for driving industrial growth, unlocking value from our minerals, and positioning Ghana as a leader in mineral beneficiation across Africa.”
The Nsuta-Tarkwa refinery represents more than just an industrial milestone but also underscores a growing strategic partnership with China in resource development, infrastructure, and technology transfer.
As Ghana pushes for greater beneficiation of its minerals, Hon. Buah’s visit underscores government’s proactive approach to attracting investment while ensuring mutual benefits.
