The management of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited is upbeat about the prospects of the mine as it sets very ambitious targets to ramp up production levels, driven by a bold expansion programme just six months after the Chinese mining giant took over operations of the Akyem Mine from Newmont in April, 2025.
Addressing members of the Eastern Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) during a tour, General Manager of the mining firm, Agyeman Okyere, said the company’s immediate focus since the takeover has been to ensure a smooth operational transition while maintaining stringent safety standards — a goal he says has been achieved.
According to him, Zijin an extensive studies carried out has led to the extension of the mine’s life by an additional 20 years beyond its original 2027 end date, adding that underground feasibility studies are ongoing and are expected to be completed in time to allow development works to begin either next year or in 2027.
“We want to operate both the open pit and underground concurrently to give us flexibility to ramp up gold production, create more jobs, and boost socioeconomic activity in our catchment communities,” he noted. “Our goal is to ensure a win-win for all stakeholders, including our investors.”
Zijin is setting aggressive production and processing targets over the next three years. The company plans to increase ore processing volumes from the current 27 million tonnes to 37 million tonnes in 2026, 50 million tonnes in 2027, and 53 million tonnes in 2028.
Gold output is also projected to rise sharply — from five tonnes this year to eight tonnes next year, then 10 tonnes thereafter, with a long-term ambition of producing 15 tonnes annually.
These targets, Okyere explained, will require significant expansion of the processing plant and major investments in new infrastructure, which he says will translate into more employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
He urged the media to support the company’s vision and act as responsible ambassadors, while appealing to regulators to expedite permitting processes to allow timely commencement of expansion activities.
“We have good intentions. All this is aimed at creating more jobs for Ghanaians and ensuring national benefit through increased royalties and taxes,” he added.
Background
Zinjin in October 2024 formally announced the acquisition of 100% ownership of the Akyem Mine in Ghana, previously held by Newmont for USD 1 billion.
The Akyem mine, one of Ghana’s largest gold mines, commenced commercial production in October 2013.
Zijin Mining is the fastest-growing major mining company globally in terms of copper production, having produced over 1 million tonnes of copper in 2023. The company has frequently expanded its gold mining operations in recent years, with Akyem marking its seventh gold mine acquisition since 2020.
