Russian aluminium producer Rusal is planning to establish a joint venture in Ghana to mine and process bauxite. The proposed partnership aims to extract bauxite, the raw material used in aluminium production, and process it locally. This move is expected to boost Ghana's bauxite and aluminium production, potentially elevating the country's operations beyond mid-sized tier-two globally.
According to a report by Russia's state news agency, RIA, Rusal is targeting an annual production of five million metric tonnes of bauxite and a processing capacity of 1.2 million tonnes. This output, while not on the scale of mega-mines, would be considered an upper-middle tier operation globally. The project's efficiency is notable, as it takes roughly 2.5 to 4 tonnes of bauxite to produce 1 tonne of alumina.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow. Rusal Chief Executive Officer, Evgeny Nikitin, disclosed the plans following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Ghana's state agency, the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC). GIADEC plans to tap the massive Nyinahin bauxite deposit.
Rusal is the world's largest aluminium producer outside China and operates major bauxite projects in Guinea, including the Compagnie des Bauxites de Kindia (CBK), the Dian-Dian deposit, and the Friguia complex. The company currently operates seven bauxite mines worldwide, including two in Russia. In 2025, Rusal produced 18.453 million metric tonnes of bauxite.
The proposed Ghana project is part of efforts to develop the country's aluminium industry through mining and local processing of bauxite. Ghana currently lacks domestic alumina refining capacity, historically exporting raw ore and importing processed alumina to feed the VALCO aluminium smelter. Building a refinery with a 1.2 million tonne capacity would transform the country's position.
The project would establish Ghana's industry as a fully integrated "bauxite-to-aluminium" value chain. This development would mark a significant shift from the country's traditional role as a major bauxite exporter. The partnership with Rusal could bring substantial benefits to Ghana's economy and industrial sector.
The joint venture with Rusal is expected to have a significant impact on Ghana's aluminium industry. With Rusal's expertise and resources, the project could create new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region. The project's success will depend on various factors, including the efficiency of the mining and processing operations.
Key points
- Rusal plans to produce 5 million metric tonnes of bauxite annually in Ghana.
- The project includes a processing capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of bauxite.
- The joint venture aims to establish a fully integrated "bauxite-to-aluminium" value chain in Ghana.
