Princess Avenyoh
Ghana has cancelled a $1.2 billion bauxite deal with Rocksure and is seeking a global investor for Nyinahin Hills.
The government aims to develop Nyinahin Hills, one of West Africa’s largest untapped bauxite reserves, with a global partner.
Officials are considering companies like Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Chinese mining firms to replace Rocksure in the project.
Ghana holds over 900 million metric tons of bauxite but needs strong global partners to unlock full mining potential.
Rocksure previously signed a deal to develop 376 million tons of bauxite in the Nyinahin Hills area.
Under that deal, Rocksure owned 70%, GIADEC had 20%, and the government received a 10% stake.
However, Parliament never approved the lease, which violates a 2019 Supreme Court ruling on mineral rights.
A source said, “Without Parliament’s ratification, the lease holds no legal power under Ghanaian mining law.”
GIADEC and the Lands Ministry have declined to comment, citing ongoing discussions and internal government decisions.
Rocksure hasn’t made a public statement, but a source confirmed GIADEC has officially pulled out of the agreement.
GIADEC is now negotiating with Emirates Global Aluminium to take over the Nyinahin bauxite development.
EGA confirmed it is reviewing the project’s commercial and technical aspects but hasn’t signed a final agreement.
In 2021, EGA paused its Ghana plans to avoid conflicts with its existing investments in Guinea.
Now, EGA sees Ghana as a key option to diversify its bauxite supply and ensure long-term production.
GIADEC hopes to begin mining in Nyinahin Block B by early 2026 after selecting a new partner.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines expects bauxite output to reach 2 million tons in 2025, up from 1.7 million.