Industrial minerals are geological materials which are mined for their commercial value. They are not fuel (fuel minerals or mineral fuels) and are not sources of metals (metallic minerals). They are used in their natural state or after beneficiation either as raw materials or as additives in a wide range of applications.
It is government's policy to diversify the exploitation of its mineral resources base from the traditional minerals like gold, diamonds, bauxite and manganese to include the exploitation of industrial minerals which could promote effective linkages in the economy, to reduce current over reliance on imported substitutes.
Some objectives in the Minerals Policy are: Ensuring that Ghana's mineral endowment is managed on a sustainable economic, social and environmental basis and that there is an equitable sharing of the financial and developmental benefits of mining between investors and all Ghanaian stakeholders. Encouraging local and foreign private sector participation in the exploration for, and commercial exploitation of mineral resources, consistent with the government's commitment to a free-market enterprise economy. Emphasis on investment promotion has been a major objective of the industry with a shift to a comprehensive vision that facilitates greater exploitation of Ghana's industrial minerals. Investment opportunities in the industry are in the areas of exploitation or production and industrial processes. They include: The production of industrial minerals for both local and international consumption. Applications/processing of industrial minerals in the areas of construction, ceramics, paints, electronics, filtration, plastics, glass, detergents and paper. Companies to set up refinery facilities to serve the local industry for value-added products.
Companies to exploit and produce solar salt. Potential exists for the utilization of part of the salt to produce caustic soda which is a raw material for the soap and detergent industry. The chlorine co-product can also be used as water treatment chemical and also serve as raw materials for the production of various health and sanitation chemicals. Companies to produce clinker for the mining industry. Demand for clinker is estimated at over one million metric tons per annum. Companies to exploit the extensive deposit of granite to produce high quality floor tiles.
Companies to produce dimension stones for the building industry Suppliers to supply salt for the local market. Engineering and Services. Service companies to provide support services, including contract drilling, assay laboratories, contract mining and geological consultancies to mining companies in the country. Companies to set up manufacturing plants and machinery for the mining industry. Companies to set up downstream production facilities to manufacture key input for the mining industry. Examples, mill balls, drill bits, cyanide and activated carbon.
REFERENCE: Ghana Investment Promotion Center