Overview of Mining Infrastructure in Ghana

Exploration and extraction often take place in remote areas, therefore setting up mining operations in Ghana can be a challenge due to inadequate transport systems. Companies are frequently forced to mobilize private power and water supplies to reach remote areas, which inevitably increases the cost of mining in the region. As a result, the majority of the gold and mineral exploration operations are undertaken by international mining companies that can fund large-scale exploration projects.

The Mining Sector Support Programme (MSSP), a state programme designed to improve mining operations, is being implemented by the Minerals Commission with European Union financial and technical assistance. The formal agreement was signed in 2002 with a €40 million funding package and in 2010 Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, urged the European Union to continue their support due to the success of the project. As of 2011 the MSSP was developing a mapping system in order to acquire a greater understanding of the mineral reserves in Ghana. Sites of interest within Ghana were being covered by geophysical surveys and geological field-mapping, with the hope that more comprehensive data-base of information will attract investors.

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