President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to phase out the export of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030, as part of efforts to expand local processing and accelerate industrial development.
The proposed policy will require mining investors to meet specific processing obligations before gaining access to Ghana’s mineral resources, including bauxite, manganese, iron and lithium.
Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026, President Mahama said the government would introduce the necessary legal measures, mineral-specific requirements and implementation timelines to facilitate the transition.
He said Ghana could no longer rely on exporting raw minerals without fully exploiting the industrial and economic opportunities they presented.
“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.
The President said the policy would be implemented in phases to allow for the establishment of appropriate processing arrangements while ensuring that the country derived greater economic benefits from its natural resources.
He also indicated that the government had already taken steps to restrict the export of certain unprocessed materials.
“We will pursue a phased prohibition on exports of unprocessed ores, supported by the necessary legal measures, mineral-specific requirements, and transparent implementation timetables.
“We have already imposed a ban on the export of iron scrap and non-ferrous metals. Investors must understand the processing obligations associated with access to our resources,” he added.
The proposed restrictions form part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic industrial capacity, encourage investment in mineral processing and create opportunities for economic growth.
By requiring more minerals to be processed locally, the government seeks to retain a greater share of the value generated from the country’s mineral resources rather than relying predominantly on the export of raw materials.
The success of the policy will depend on the development of local processing infrastructure, investment in industrial capacity and the implementation of clear regulatory requirements for mining companies.
The 2030 target signals a shift towards linking mineral extraction more directly with domestic manufacturing and industrialisation.
