Ghana Ranks 3rd Globally in Mining Intensity — A Closer Look at the Numbers.
- bernard boateng
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Despite its relatively modest land size of 238,000 square kilometers, Ghana ranks third in the world for the percentage of land under mining. This may surprise many, given the country’s small footprint compared to mineral giants like Brazil, China, and the USA.
What the Data Shows
According to recent data from the World Bank, ICMM, and regional transparency initiatives:
Ghana has 6.3% of its land under mining concessions.
It follows only DR Congo (8.5%) and South Africa (6.6%).
This puts Ghana ahead of Chile, Peru, Indonesia, and even industrial powerhouses like the USA and China.
Why This Matters
This high mining intensity reflects Ghana’s long history of gold, bauxite, and manganese production. However, it also raises concerns about environmental sustainability, land use conflicts, and the long-term economic diversification of the country.
Beyond the Percentage
While the percentage is high, it’s important to note that:
These figures are based on concession areas, not necessarily active mines.
Illegal and unreported mining, a major issue in Ghana, is excluded from this data.
Ghana’s relatively small landmass makes even modest absolute mining areas translate to high percentages.
Comparative Insights
For example:
The USA, with over 9 million km², has only 2.1% of land under mining.
China, despite being the largest country listed, has just 0.3%.
Implications for Policy and Planning
This data underscores the need for:
Stronger land-use planning and environmental safeguards.
Diversification strategies to reduce over-reliance on extractives.
Transparency in licensing and enforcement against illegal mining.
Ghana’s high mining intensity is both a strength and a signal. It reflects rich mineral endowment, but also the urgency to balance development with sustainability.
As Ghana digs deeper, how do we ensure we’re not mining away our future?
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