Ghana is set to benefit from a new alumina refinery following the successful selection of a strategic partner that will work with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) to deliver Project 3A, one of four (4) projects being executed under the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI) projects.
President Akufo-Addo who witnessed the signing of the agreements between the two parties at a brief event held in Accra stressed that the execution of Project 3A – Development of a mine at Nyinahin-Mpasaaso and the construction of an alumina refinery, will put an end to decades of exporting raw bauxite from the country to the refining of bauxite mined in Ghana to produce alumina that will feed the VALCO smelter.
“We have mined and exported bauxite in its raw form since the 1940s and have never achieved the goal of value addition or integration despite considerable efforts made by successive governments. I am proud of the progress GIADEC has made since its inception under the leadership of Mr. Michael Ansah, working to leverage on 900 million metric tonnes of bauxite and other holdings including the 100% ownership of VALCO to deliver the Integrated Aluminium Industry in Ghana” he said.
The President commended the Board, Management and Staff of GIADEC for what he described as tremendous work at ensuring that the missing link in Ghana’s aluminium industry, an alumina refinery, is finally going to be established. He urged GIADEC to continue to drive integration of the bauxite–aluminium value chain by ensuring that all aspects of the value chain are developed. President Akuo-Addo emphasized that the selection of a credible and leading global metallurgy and energy Company, Mytilineos S.A as GIADEC’s partner on Project 3A will pave the way for more investments from other global giants in the Integrated Aluminium Industry.
President Akufo-Addo charged GIADEC and its strategic partners to continue to uphold world-class environmental standards in their operations. “I am specifically aware of GIADEC’s unwavering commitment to world-class environmental standards which informed their choice for the selected partner for Project 3A. As such, government and the relevant state agencies must ensure the strictest adherence and commitment to all the national and global environmental and social performance standards” he added.
Source:myjoyonline.com
