Rusal signs agreement with GIADEC to mine 5 million metric tons of bauxite

Russian aluminium giant Rusal has signed a joint venture agreement with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) to launch a major bauxite mining and processing project. The deal, formalised during the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, sets an ambitious annual production target of 5 million metric tons of bauxite. This partnership marks Rusal's first entry into the Ghanaian mining sector, as the company seeks to expand its West African footprint beyond its existing operations in Guinea.

The project is designed as an integrated industrial development rather than a simple extraction operation. In addition to the raw bauxite mining targets, the joint venture includes plans for a processing facility with an annual capacity of 1.2 million metric tons. This move aligns with the Ghanaian government's strategic goal of adding value to raw mineral resources within the country. By establishing a refinery component, the collaboration aims to strengthen the domestic aluminium value chain, creating local jobs and boosting industrialisation.

Ghana holds the world's seventh-largest bauxite reserves, estimated at approximately 900 million metric tons, positioning it as a critical player in the global supply chain. The agreement represents a significant milestone for GIADEC in its mandate to develop a fully integrated aluminium industry. By partnering with an established global producer like Rusal, Ghana seeks to leverage international expertise and capital to unlock the economic potential of its vast mineral wealth for national development.