- Newmont pours first gold at Ahafo North, with output set for late 2025
- Project set to boost jobs and economy in West Africa
ACCRA, GHANA – Newmont Corporation said it poured first gold at its Ahafo North mine in Ghana on Sept. 19, a key step toward commercial production expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The milestone follows months of ore stockpiling and the commissioning of new infrastructure, including processing plants, mining support facilities and a tailings storage system.
The site, located at Afrisipakrom about 30 kilometres from the company’s Ahafo South operations, is regarded as one of West Africa’s most promising untapped deposits.
“The first gold pour at Ahafo North represents a major operational milestone that validates years of careful planning, engineering, and construction, and builds on the strength of our world-class portfolio,” said Tom Palmer, Newmont’s chief executive officer.
“As we progress toward commercial production, we remain focused on generating enduring value for our shareholders, workforce, host communities, and the government of Ghana.”
Economic impact and jobs
Newmont expects the mine to deliver between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold annually over a 13-year life span. About 4,500 contracted jobs were created during construction, with the operation forecast to sustain roughly 560 permanent and 1,000 contracted positions.
The company said Ahafo North would contribute significantly to Ghana’s economy through royalties, taxes, fees and community development programs. Following the sale of its Akyem mine earlier this year, Ahafo North becomes Newmont’s second operating site in the country.
Newmont, the world’s largest gold producer, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Australian Securities Exchange and the Papua New Guinea Exchange.
Ghana’s gold sector
Ghana is Africa’s top gold producer, having overtaken South Africa in 2018, and the mineral contributes more than 40% of the country’s export earnings. According to the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the sector accounts for around 5% of gross domestic product and is a major source of government revenue.
Both multinational firms and small-scale miners dominate the industry, though the latter’s exports have drawn scrutiny in recent years due to smuggling and regulatory gaps.
Industry analysts say Newmont’s Ahafo North project underscores international confidence in Ghana’s mining sector despite global price volatility. The mine adds to the country’s reputation as a stable investment destination for natural resources within West Africa.
The successful pour, the company said, affirms both the project’s technical design and its “disciplined execution,” positioning Ahafo North as a cornerstone of Newmont’s long-term growth strategy.
