Azumah Resources Ghana begins construction of Black Volta gold mine
Azumah Resources Ghana has officially commenced construction of the Black Volta gold mine in the Upper West Region, marking a significant step forward for the country’s mining industry. The project, driven by Ghanaian leadership and backed by both local and international investors, has secured full financing from shareholders, enabling the company to move ahead with confidence.
In partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, Azumah has obtained all necessary regulatory approvals to ensure a smooth execution of the project. Preparatory works are currently underway on-site, with major infrastructure, civil engineering, and recruitment activities planned to ramp up in the coming months.
Construction phase
The construction phase is projected to create more than 1,000 jobs, with hundreds of additional permanent positions expected once operations begin. The mine is anticipated to significantly contribute to the economic and social development of the Upper West Region and Ghana at large.
However, the journey has not been without obstacles. The project experienced delays due to legal disputes and the failure of Engineers & Planners (E&P) to complete civil works as contracted. Following the termination of its agreement with E&P, Azumah restructured its strategy and worked closely with stakeholders to get the project back on track.
Rob Ciccini, Project Director at Azumah, stated that shareholder support and strong collaboration with the government have been vital in reaching this milestone. A formal groundbreaking ceremony is expected soon.
In a related development, Ghana’s gold industry is grappling with a major challenge a suspected $11 billion trade discrepancy linked to illicit gold exports. Authorities believe large volumes of unreported gold are being smuggled out of the country, with Dubai in the United Arab Emirates identified as a key destination. This issue underscores the need for enhanced oversight in the sector.
