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Awaso Bauxite Mine

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Industrial site
—°1
Awaso Bauxite Mine (Ghana)

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The Awaso bauxite mine, operated by the Ghana Bauxite Company, is the only active bauxite mine in the country and a strategic mineral asset. Located in the Western North Region on the Awaso hills, about 1,000 meters above sea level, mining operations began in 1941 to meet wartime demand for aluminum. The bauxite ore is known for its high quality and is extracted using open-cast mining methods on the hilltop plateaus. Following extraction, the ore is transported via rail to the Takoradi Port for export to international markets. The mine plays a pivotal role in the Ghanaian government's long-term plan to establish a fully integrated domestic aluminum industry. Annual production reaches hundreds of thousands of tons, with site reserves estimated to last for several more decades. The geological formations at Awaso are characteristic of West African lateritic bauxite deposits. Despite logistical challenges involving rail infrastructure, the mine remains a critical exporter in Ghana's diversified mineral portfolio.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272827272625242425252626
Rain mm23611331521922581287114924311434

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Awaso Bauxite Mine is Ghana's sole operating bauxite mine, extracting the raw material essential for aluminum production. It serves as a key supplier to the global aluminum industry and supports the local economy in the Western Region.
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Visiting
The mine is an active industrial site with restricted access for safety. Visitors can usually observe the red bauxite pits and loading areas from the public road leading to Awaso.
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Where to view it
The best view of the mine is from the main road that winds through the hills near Awaso, offering glimpses of the terraced pits. A viewpoint at the village entrance provides a panorama of the open-cut operations.
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Local products
Bauxite is the primary product, exported for aluminum smelting. Local markets in the surrounding towns may sell aluminum household items or crafts, and the region is known for its tropical fruits like cocoa and palm oil.
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Active season
Mining operations run year-round, with increased activity during the dry season from November to March. The mine typically operates on a shift system, with haulage trucks moving continuously.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the nearby town of Sefwi Wiawso, known for its traditional chiefs and festivals. The region also features the Ankasa Conservation Area, a rainforest reserve with rich biodiversity.

Geography

Coordinates
6.22300, -2.26190

Facts

  • Mining started in 1941
  • Only active bauxite mine
  • 1,000 meters above sea level
  • Rail transport to Takoradi
  • Open-cast hill mining
  • Located in Western North

Explore nearby

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Asanko Gold MineAsanko Gold Mine37 km · NEExplore →
Edikan Gold MineEdikan Gold Mine52 km · NWExplore →
Dunkwa-on-OffinDunkwa-on-Offin60 km · NWExplore →
ObuasiObuasi65 km · NExplore →
BekwaiBekwai80 km · NExplore →
Bogoso Gold MineBogoso Gold Mine81 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Awaso Bauxite Mine (1)

Chief Palace🏰 castle

The traditional palace complex serves as the cultural and administrative seat of the local tribal leadership.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is mined at the Awaso mine?
High-quality bauxite is extracted here for global aluminum production.
Is the mine accessible to tourists?
It is an active industrial site; visits are only possible with special permission.
How is the ore transported?
The bauxite is typically transported by truck or rail to the port of Takoradi.
When is it recommended to visit the region?
The dry season from November to March has the best road conditions.
Is there accommodation nearby?
Simple guesthouses can be found in Awaso or in the nearby town of Bibiani.
Awaso Bauxite Mine: where is it located?
Awaso Bauxite Mine is located in Ghana.
Awaso Bauxite Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
Awaso Bauxite Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Awaso bauxite mine, operated by the Ghana Bauxite Company, is the only active bauxite mine in the country and a strategic mineral asset.
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Africa
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Nearby cities

Bibiani — Awaso Bauxite Mine (Ghana)
Bibiani
Bibiani is a prominent gold mining and agricultural town in the Western North Region.
Dunkwa-on-Offin — Awaso Bauxite Mine (Ghana)
Dunkwa-on-Offin
Dunkwa-on-Offin is an important center for the mining and cocoa trade.
Obuasi — Awaso Bauxite Mine (Ghana)
Obuasi
Obuasi is famous for its rich gold mining operations which date back over a century.
Bekwai — Awaso Bauxite Mine (Ghana)
Bekwai
Bekwai is an essential educational and commercial center located in the Ashanti Region.

Nature

Tano River — Awaso Bauxite Mine (Ghana)
Tano River
A river forming the border with Côte d'Ivoire.

More places

🗺️
Chirano Gold Mine
A combined open-pit and underground gold mining complex in the Western North Region of Ghana.
Bia National Park — Awaso Bauxite Mine (Ghana)
Bia National Park
Biosphere reserve with rare primate species.
🗺️
Asanko Gold Mine
A multi-pit gold project in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.
🗺️
Edikan Gold Mine
A gold mine operated by Perseus Mining, the company's first mine in West Africa.