Ghana could be on the cusp of a significant economic boost as the world increasingly turns to rare-earth elements (REEs) – the critical minerals powering the clean energy transition. Recent geological studies indicate substantial REE deposits within the country, presenting a potential opportunity to become a key player in this burgeoning global market.

The global shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and electric vehicles is driving unprecedented demand for REEs. These elements are essential components in the magnets used in wind turbines, the batteries powering electric cars, and the electronics found in everyday devices. Global agencies project that up to 90 per cent of electricity could be generated from renewable sources by 2050, further intensifying the need for these minerals.

Currently, China dominates the REE industry, controlling approximately 90 per cent of global refining and processing. Between 2015 and 2022, rare-earth products generated an estimated USD 123 billion in sales, largely attributed to China’s integrated supply chain. This dominance gives China considerable influence over the availability and pricing of these vital resources.

However, Ghana’s geological landscape offers promising potential. Studies pinpoint the Dahomeyide suture zone in the south-eastern part of the country as a key area for REE deposits. This zone, a result of the ancient Pan-African Orogeny, is part of the Kpong Complex, characterized by deformed alkaline rocks and carbonatites – geological formations known to host high concentrations of REEs.

The suture zone stretches from south of Somanya to north-east of Pore, following a NNE–SSW trend. Geochemical analyses reveal that the rocks in this complex originated from mantle-derived magma and are rich in light rare-earth elements, a particularly valuable characteristic. The Kpong Complex itself is relatively shallow, generally less than 100 metres thick, consisting of layers of carbonatite and nepheline gneiss.

Beyond the Dahomeyide suture zone, prospective areas for exploration include regions with calcite and dolomite deposits. Northern Ghana’s Voltaian Basin, around Bongo-Da, Nalerigu, Daboya, and Buipe, holds approximately 15 million tonnes of calcitic limestone and 20-30 million tonnes of dolomite. Similarly, a large limestone ridge near Nauli in the Western Region contains over 23 million tonnes.

Interestingly, REE occurrences along Ghana’s coastline are likely secondary deposits, formed by the erosion and transportation of minerals from inland sources. The presence of heavy minerals like monazite, zircon, rutile, and ilmenite in beach sands suggests that tracing these minerals upstream could lead to the discovery of primary REE deposits. Experts believe a strategic approach involving sediment provenance studies, drainage geochemistry, and targeted bedrock mapping is crucial for successful exploration.

“With a focused exploration strategy, Ghana can effectively identify and develop its REE resources, potentially unlocking significant economic benefits,” explains Dr. Emmanuel Amankwaa, a geologist at the University of Ghana, who was not directly involved in the studies. “Tracing the heavy mineral assemblages upstream is a cost-effective way to pinpoint the original source of these valuable elements.”

As the demand for REEs continues to rise, Ghana’s potential to contribute to the global clean energy supply chain is becoming increasingly apparent. The country’s geological wealth, coupled with strategic investment and exploration, could position it as a key player in the ‘new oil’ of the green economy, offering a pathway to sustainable economic growth and a brighter future.

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