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FLSmidth, a global mining technology services company, has expanded its presence in Ghana with the launch of a new West Africa Service Centre. This strategic move is set to enhance the operational effectiveness of the mining sector in Ghana and beyond.
The new service centre will provide a range of services, including equipment servicing and repair, spare parts availability, technical support and training, and productivity optimization. By offering these services, the centre will help mining companies to improve their operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase their overall productivity.
According to Mikko Keto, Group CEO of FLSmidth, "We believe a lot in the mining companies operating in Ghana, and we want to become a more local company in Ghana and Africa." The launch of the new West Africa Service Centre is a significant investment in Ghana's mining industry, and is expected to have a major impact on the sector's efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.
Keto highlighted Ghana's stability and mining competency as key factors in the company's decision to establish a service centre in the country. "Ghana is a very stable, well-run country, and there's a lot of mining competency here. The mining university in the country provides a lot of talent, and our idea is to get the mining competence from Ghana and combine it with our technology competence."
The benefits of the new service centre are numerous. By providing access to world-class equipment servicing, spare parts, and technical support, the centre will help mining companies to improve their operational efficiency and reduce downtime. The centre will also help mining companies to reduce their environmental impact by providing access to energy-efficient and sustainable technologies.
Furthermore, the centre will create new job opportunities for Ghanaian engineers, technicians, and other professionals, contributing to the country's economic development. The centre will also support the development of local content in Ghana's mining industry, helping to build a more sustainable and resilient sector.
Keto emphasized the importance of being locally present, "We need to be locally present, and I think that is a big change that will make a difference."
We are serving the Western part of Africa from here, and we believe that Ghana is a fantastic location for us." Keto said.
Keto also expressed his optimism about the gold market, stating that FLSmidth believes the gold price will remain high, supporting operations in Ghana and other gold-producing countries.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines welcomed the launch of the FLS Service Centre in Accra, hailing it as a significant milestone in the country's mining industry.
According to Dr. Sulemanu Koney, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, "The establishment of this service centre is not only a commendable investment but a strategic move that will enhance the operational effectiveness of the mining sector in Ghana and beyond."
He added that the establishment of the facility in Ghana will support the country’s efforts in positioning itself as the hub for mining support service in West Africa.
Dr. Koney noted that the mining and quarrying industry in Ghana remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing about 10% to Ghana's GDP in 2024. Gold alone accounted for over 50% of total export revenue, reinforcing Ghana's status as Africa's leading gold producer in 2024.
Dr. Koney commended FLSmidth for its foresight in establishing the facility and encouraged other industry players to explore similar value-enhancing initiatives, adding that the FLS Service Centre is also expected to create jobs and contribute to national revenue generation through taxes and levies.
The success of Ghana's mining industry hinges on collaborative partnerships between government, the private sector, and key stakeholders," Dr. Koney said. "Investments in local manufacturing, mining technology, and workforce development are crucial in securing Ghana's position as a regional hub for mining excellence."
Denmark's Ambassador to Ghana, Tom Norrin, on his part, highlighted Denmark's significant role in the global mining industry, despite not being a major mining producer. Speaking at the launch of the FLSmidth Service Centre in Accra, Ambassador Norrin emphasized Denmark's commitment to sustainability and green technologies.
We have carved out a significant niche in the field of mining engineering. Through cutting-edge technology and innovative, effective solutions, Denmark is instrumental in driving the global mining industry forward," Ambassador Norrin stated.
Ambassador Norrin sees this investment as FLSmidth's testament to confidence in Ghana's mining sector and Denmark's long-standing commitment to industrial growth, economic cooperation, and technology transfer to the African continent.
I hope that FLSmidth's investment and local expansion in Ghana represents a perfect example of a 'balanced approach' to trade and investments... an approach that fosters collaborations that drive economic growth in Ghana for the benefit of the Ghanaian population," Ambassador Norrin added.
The launch of the FLSmidth Service Centre is seen as a significant step towards strengthening Danish-Ghanaian partnerships and promoting sustainable mining practices in Ghana.
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