Policy think-tank IMANI has restated its stance on the terms associated with Ghana's inaugural lithium mining deal, emphasizing the need for the government to offer comprehensive clarity on the agreement with Barari DV Limited.

IMANI contends that the government's indications of the deal being in the best interest of Ghanaians lack proper elaboration, prompting the call for further clarification on the matter.

In a brief titled 'Green Economy Brief,' as reported by GhanaWeb Business, IMANI maintains that it is essential for both the government and the company (Barari DV Limited) to articulate their mutual expectations regarding the conditions necessary for refining.

This, according to IMANI, would facilitate tracking and understanding the key aspects of the agreement.

“Whether it is profitability level, raw lithium availability, electricity pricing and availability, tax waivers for complementary imports, or whatever may be required, the text should be clear so that civil society and others can monitor progress towards value addition, which everyone agrees is essential considering Ghana’s history with mining.

“In the same light, 'refining' should be clarified so that the public will know what end-products or intermediaries are in line with the country’s value addition strategy. There are several stages in the refining process of lithium. Value is unfortunately not added uniformly at every stage,” it stated.

IMANI underscores the importance of clearly outlining expectations in the agreement to enable vigilant monitoring of this critical mineral resource.

In the meantime, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has defended the decision to grant a 15-year mining lease to Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, for lithium construction and mining at Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.

The lease incorporates new and improved terms designed to ensure that the country reaps the benefits of this valuable mineral. The issuance of the mining lease followed the company's completion of prospecting and feasibility studies, along with extensive negotiations between the government and the company.

Covering an area of approximately 42.63 square kilometers, the lease grants the company exclusive rights to work and produce lithium and associated minerals in accordance with the country's mining laws.

See IMANI's brief below:

IMANI-Green-Economy-Brief-Lithium-Deal-EDFN_231214_112631-2Download