President John Mahama has announced plans to end exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030, as part of Ghana’s efforts to promote local processing and retain more economic value from the country’s mineral resources.
The policy is intended to ensure the country retains a greater share of the economic benefits generated from its mineral resources while creating opportunities for domestic industries and businesses.
Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026, President Mahama said the government was pursuing measures to move Ghana beyond the extraction and export of raw minerals towards processing them locally to support industrial development.
He identified the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the country’s gold refining policy as key components of efforts to increase domestic participation in the gold value chain.
“Through the Ghana Gold Board and our gold refining policy, we are working to retain more value through assaying, refining, and related services,” he said.
Mahama further outlined plans for a phased prohibition on exports of unprocessed mineral ores, including bauxite, manganese, iron and lithium, to encourage investment in local processing and manufacturing.
“I’ve set a clear goal that by 2030, raw mineral ores should no longer leave our shores. Our bauxite, manganese, iron, lithium, and other minerals must support processing and industrial development here at home,” he said.
He explained that the proposed restrictions would be implemented through the necessary legal measures, mineral-specific requirements and transparent timelines to guide the transition.
The President also indicated that investors seeking access to Ghana’s mineral resources would be required to meet clearly defined processing obligations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to domestic value addition.
He cited the existing ban on the export of iron scrap and non-ferrous metals as part of measures already taken to promote local industrial activity.
The planned reforms are expected to strengthen Ghana’s mineral processing capacity, encourage investment in refining and related services, create opportunities across the mining value chain and ensure that more of the wealth generated from the country’s natural resources contributes to its economic development.
