GIISDEC and Geological Survey Authority Boost Partnership for Faster Iron Ore Development

Ghana Advances Integrated Iron and Steel Industry with New Collaboration

Ghana has taken a significant step forward in its ambition to develop an integrated iron and steel industry. This progress comes after the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) signed a cooperation agreement with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority. The partnership aims to enhance technical efforts in mineral exploration, marking a key milestone in the nation’s industrial development strategy.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalizes a long-standing collaboration between the two entities. It outlines joint initiatives including geological mapping, geophysical surveys, sampling, laboratory analysis, drilling supervision, and data interpretation. These activities are crucial for advancing the country’s first mineral resource estimation for iron ore.

Strengthening Technical Roles and Institutional Coordination

GIISDEC Chief Executive, Williams Okofo-Dateh, emphasized that the agreement provides clarity on the technical roles required as Ghana transitions from broad exploration to more detailed assessment. He noted that institutional coordination is now essential for the success of the project.

“This agreement gives both agencies a clear framework to accelerate work,” he said. “It will help ensure credible data and reduce duplication.”

Okofo-Dateh also highlighted that GIISDEC is preparing to move into a second exploration block at Kadjebi in the Oti Region once cabinet approval is secured. This follows the completion of drilling at the Gyamurume Block. According to GIISDEC and its technical partner, Africa Exploration and Minerals Group, preliminary findings suggest commercially viable deposits with competitive grades.

High Iron Content in Preliminary Samples

According to the corporation, oxidized ore samples analyzed from the Gyamurume Block contain up to 82 percent iron oxide — equivalent to around 57 percent iron — with average grades of 67 percent iron oxide or roughly 47 percent iron. These numbers are seen as strong indicators of the potential for domestic production.

Okofo-Dateh stressed that Ghana’s reliance on imports, estimated at about 800,000 tonnes of iron and steel annually at a cost of US$900 million, makes local development a strategic priority.

“The economic implications are clear,” he said. “If Ghana can validate and develop these resources, we can significantly cut import bills and build a new industrial base.”

Enhancing Geological Data Quality

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority, which will lead most of the technical assessments under the MoU, stated that the partnership is designed to improve the quality of geological data supporting government decisions. Acting Director-General Isaac Kuuwan Mwinbelle explained that the agency’s involvement will help standardize the scientific process behind resource estimation.

“Our role is to ensure the data meets international reporting expectations,” he said. “This collaboration allows us to deploy our expertise more efficiently.”

Mwinbelle added that the authority considers the iron ore work a national priority due to its potential impact on manufacturing and infrastructure development. He noted that deeper mapping and structured field investigations will determine the scale of investment needed for future mining and processing.

“You need dependable geological information before any major development can happen,” he said.

Accelerating Exploration and Attracting Investment

The two agencies expect the new agreement to speed up remaining stages of exploration ahead of feasibility studies. Officials say Ghana’s estimated 1.7 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves, largely in the Oti and Savannah regions, remain under-assessed. The MoU is intended to drive the technical work required to confirm commercial value and attract investors.

Potential for Economic Growth

With the focus on detailed assessment and institutional coordination, Ghana is positioning itself to unlock the full potential of its iron ore reserves. The collaboration between GIISDEC and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority represents a critical step toward establishing a robust and sustainable iron and steel industry.

As the country moves forward, the emphasis on credible data and efficient processes will be vital in attracting both local and international investment. The long-term goal is not only to reduce dependence on imports but also to create a foundation for industrial growth and economic diversification.