Exploratory drilling in Ghana’s Oti Region has uncovered commercially viable nickel deposits, marking a potential expansion of the country’s mining sector into battery metals.
The discovery was made during iron ore surveys conducted by the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation in collaboration with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority.
Initial findings indicate nickel concentrations exceeding 1 percent, the threshold for commercial viability. Eight drill holes completed in the Gyamurume Range all showed nickel mineralization, with some samples surpassing the viability benchmark. The Ghana Geological Survey Authority has commissioned detailed laboratory analysis, with results expected by September 2025.
“This discovery presents new opportunities for Ghana’s mineral development strategy,” said William Okofu Darteh, CEO of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation. “We are taking a measured approach to understand the full potential before engaging investors.”
The nickel discovery comes as Ghana develops its Ewoyaa lithium project in the Central Region, positioning the country to supply critical minerals for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage. Global nickel demand has grown steadily, driven by the transition to clean energy technologies.
Geoscientist David Yaw Kuma of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority noted that while preliminary scans are promising, certified laboratory results will determine the deposit’s economic potential. “We are following scientific protocols to evaluate this discovery thoroughly,” Kuma said.
Ghana’s mining sector has traditionally focused on gold, bauxite and manganese. The potential addition of nickel and lithium reflects the country’s strategic shift toward minerals critical for energy transition technologies. The government has emphasized developing local processing capacity to capture more value from mineral resources.
The discovery could bring economic development to the Oti Region, one of Ghana’s newer administrative areas. Authorities have stressed the importance of transparent resource management and community engagement in any future mining projects.
As African nations seek to benefit from growing demand for battery metals, Ghana’s systematic approach to mineral exploration and development may serve as a model for balancing economic opportunity with environmental and social considerations. The coming months will reveal whether the Oti Region deposits can support commercial operations and how they might fit into Ghana’s broader industrial strategy.
