GIISDEC to conduct exploration for iron ore at Pudo and Buoyem
GIISDEC is set to undertake iron ore exploration at Pudo in the Upper West Region and Buoyem in the Bono East Region, with KWASAF Exploration Company leading the exercise ahead of possible mining, aimed at boosting local development and Ghana’s iron and steel industry.
Clement Blankson 
The Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) has announced plans to conduct iron ore exploration at Pudo in the Sisala East Municipality of the Upper West Region and Buoyem in the Bono East Region, following the discovery of significant iron ore deposits in the two communities.
The iron ore deposits, which serve as key raw materials for the production of iron rods and other metals used in construction and industrial activities, are expected to support Ghana’s industrialization agenda and reduce reliance on imported steel products.
As part of stakeholder engagement efforts, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIISDEC, Hon. Philip Oppong Amponsah, led a delegation to Pudo, where they were received by the Member of Parliament and the Municipal Chief Executive of the area. The visit followed an earlier engagement held this year at Buoyem in the Bono East Region for a similar purpose.
Exploration activities at Pudo are being undertaken by KWASAF Exploration Company, which has been tasked with carrying out geological assessments to determine the commercial viability of the iron ore deposits.
Addressing residents during separate stakeholder engagement meetings, Hon. Philip Oppong Amponsah, together with his Co-Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdulai Batia Sonti, urged community members to cooperate fully with the state and KWASAF as the exploration exercise commences, with the prospect of full-scale mining expected to begin next year, subject to technical and regulatory approvals.
They eplained that the project holds immense benefits for the host communities, including the provision of social amenities, job creation, and local economic development, while assuring residents of GIISDEC’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The GIISDEC leadership commended the chiefs and people of Pudo and Buoyem for their enthusiasm and willingness to support the project, describing community collaboration as critical to the success of Ghana’s integrated iron and steel development agenda.
