The Akyem Gold Mine is one of the largest producing open-pit gold mines in Ghana. It is located in the world-renowned gold belt in West Africa and is a typical orogenic gold deposit, characterized by thick ore bodies, consistent ore grades, and continuous mineralization. Both the mining and processing facilities are operating steadily. The project employs a conventional carbon-in-leach (CIL) process, with a design capacity of 8.5 million tonnes per year, and has maintained high throughput in recent years. The project holds significant resource potential with favorable conditions for further exploration. The exploration concession, adjacent to the existing mining site, provides significant opportunities to expand the resource base and extend the life of mine.
The Akyem Gold Mine is one of the largest producing open-pit gold mines in Ghana. It is located in the world-renowned gold belt in West Africa and is a typical orogenic gold deposit, characterized by thick ore bodies, stable grades, and continuous mineralization. Both the mine and processing facilities are operating steadily. The operation employs a conventional carbon-in-leach (CIL) process, with a design capacity of 8.5 million tonnes per annum for its processing plant. In recent years, it has consistently operated at high throughput. The mine has strong resource potential, with favorable conditions for further exploration. Its exploration licenses are adjacent to the existing mining area, providing strong support for future resource expansion and mine life extension
The company’s technical team plans to apply internationally advanced technologies for further exploration. By re-defining the cut-off grade based on economic geology principles, the operation has the potential to achieve a substantial increase in resources and reserves, creating room for both a longer life of mine and higher gold production.
In October 2024, Zijin Mining offered to acquire a 100% interest in the Akyem Gold Mine in Ghana from Newmont through its wholly-owned overseas subsidiary. The transaction was successfully completed on April 16, 2025. Zijin Mining now holds an 85% interest in the operation through Zijin Gold International.
The company has signed three community agreements covering foundations, employment and community relations with the 10 communities within the mine’s footprint. Based on these agreements, it has established a community development foundation, with annual contributions equivalent to 1% of its pre-tax profit plus US$1 per ounce of gold sold, to provide sustained support for local development.
Since 2014, the mine has implemented 318 community projects aimed at improving living standards in its surrounding areas. Skills training programs have also been launched to increase local participation in mine operations, with more than 200 graduates already employed. In addition, scholarship programs funded by the mine have benefited 6,980 students, and local employees now account for nearly 50% of its workforce.
The mine has also supported local industries by funding the construction of a palm oil processing plant, and invested in infrastructure, including roads, shops, a community hospital and sports grounds. Artisan training programs have reached 348 young people, and a school meal program has benefited 636 students and 41 teachers.