The Ghana Chamber of Mines has strongly supported the government’s renewed efforts to diversify the country’s mineral portfolio, particularly in light of promising new nickel discoveries in the Oti Region.
The endorsement follows preliminary findings from the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, indicating mineable nickel deposits.
Initial drill samples revealed nickel concentrations exceeding 1%, the threshold considered commercially viable for mining. Final confirmation, however, awaits certified laboratory results.
Speaking to Citi Business News, Dasana Nantogmah, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, said the Chamber is ready to collaborate with the government on the potential development of this strategic resource.
“If it proves economically viable, the government has mechanisms for engaging investors, and we are prepared to support these efforts,” Nantogmah noted.
“Successfully developing this resource could diversify our portfolio, create jobs, and generate revenue to advance Ghana’s development agenda.”
He further urged the government to scrap the Value Added Tax (VAT) on exploration activities, citing it as a major obstacle to mineral discovery and investment.
“Our position has always been clear: exploration is the lifeblood of mining. The discovery of nickel is a direct result of exploration. Yet, companies are burdened with VAT on critical activities like assaying and drilling,” he said.
The Chamber’s support aligns with the government’s broader strategy to tap into the global demand for critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, that are vital to the battery and electric vehicle industries.
If confirmed and commercially exploited, the nickel deposits in Oti could position Ghana as a significant player in the global battery mineral supply chain while reducing reliance on gold and other traditional minerals.
