Government targets 70% gold recovery rate with new processing centres for small-scale miners

The Ghana government is set to establish gold processing centers for small-scale mining cooperatives, with the first facilities slated to launch in the first quarter of 2027. This move is part of an initiative aimed at boosting gold recovery rates and minimizing environmental damage caused by mining. Initially, gold recovery rates stand at around 30%, but with the new processing centers, the government anticipates that these rates could soar to approximately 70%.

This significant increase would enable miners to extract more gold from the ore they process, enhancing their profitability while having a lesser impact on the environment.

The initiative also seeks to reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide, which have been linked to environmental pollution. Some investors have already expressed interest in backing the project, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is working to streamline the establishment of these facilities. Furthermore, the government plans to sign memoranda of understanding with interested investors to expedite the implementation process.

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is also eager to contribute to the development of some of these centers, with a focus on formalizing small-scale mining and improving the traceability of gold purchased by the Board. This initiative is a component of the broader government strategy to promote regulated and environmentally responsible mining. Authorities are targeting the registration of nearly 100 small-scale mining cooperatives by the end of 2026.

Dr Yusif Sulemana, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, revealed these plans during an interview on Channel One TV, alongside the Mining in Motion Summit in Accra. He highlighted the potential impact of the new facilities, stating, “As it stands now, we are told that 30% is what they get when they use mercury and cyanide. But if they use these facilities that we are asking them to agree to use, they will be recovering about 70%.”