Ghana Manganese Company Limited expects to produce about “700,000 tonnes of manganese in August”, with improved weather conditions and the arrival of new equipment set to boost activity at its Nsuta mine in Ghana’s Western Region.
The anticipated monthly output would be the company’s strongest result so far and a major contribution towards its annual production target of “8 million tonnes”. In a statement signed by Deputy Managing Director Sun Yuanwei, GMC described the forecast as “a significant step” in its plans for the year.
Operations were affected during the second quarter after heavy rainfall disrupted haulage and processing at the Nsuta open pit mine. The difficult conditions between May and July slowed the movement of ore and reduced the pace of shipments.
Ghana Manganese Company is the country’s only manganese miner and exporter. As with many mining operations, its production and transport activities are particularly vulnerable during the rainy season.
The company now says conditions have improved significantly as August begins.
“Entering August, however, rainfall has decreased markedly, significantly improving pit conditions,” GMC said.
The easing of the rains coincides with the introduction of a new fleet of high efficiency equipment. Company management expects the machinery to help sustain stronger production levels during the remainder of the year.
“With August production approaching 700,000 tonnes, overall operational performance in the second half of the year will improve significantly,” GMC stated.
GMC said it would continue to monitor the weather closely while making full use of the new equipment as it works towards its full-year objectives.
Manganese has been extracted at Nsuta for approximately 100 years. The ore is predominantly used in steel production, but the company said the mineral is also becoming increasingly important in electric vehicle batteries and other new-energy technologies.
The expected rise in output is intended to help meet increasing demand on international markets. GMC also said stronger production could support government plans to establish a manganese refinery in Ghana.
According to the company, a refinery built locally would create additional employment opportunities and enable Ghana to retain a greater share of the value generated from its manganese resources.
The projected August performance follows a challenging second quarter for the operation, when persistent rain affected both the open pit and the processes required to move manganese for export. With rainfall now lower and upgraded machinery being deployed, the company believes its performance during the second half of the year can improve considerably.
GMC said the combination of better pit conditions and more efficient equipment would be central to maintaining momentum and keeping its production plans on course.
By Ewurama Smith
