In April 2026, Zijin Golden Ridge held a ceremony at its Akyem Gold Mine to mark the first anniversary of Zijin’s takeover. The event brought together government representatives, community leaders, employees, and company management. Rather than a formal celebration, it felt more like a family gathering—warm, open, and grounded in shared aspirations.
Obrempong Akwasi Amoh Tweretwie I, Chief of Abirem, reflected on the company’s first year in the region: “Since Zijin came in, there have been quarterly community engagements. We see things progressing well. We are positive that if they stay longer, prosperity will come to this area.” His remarks captured the essence of Zijin Golden Ridge’s practices at Akyem over the past year: building trust through listening and driving sustainable development.
Listening before Acting
When Zijin first acquired the operation, local communities were cautious about the new management team. Some watched as onlookers, some tested the company’s approach, and others raised questions. Zijin Golden Ridge did not rush into action. Instead, it began by establishing regular communication mechanisms.
The company formed a joint team involving human resources, community relations, and other departments. Each month, the team visited nearby villages to hear local needs and concerns face-to-face. Issues ranging from labor disputes and children’s education to road repairs and drinking water safety were recorded, followed up for solutions, and updated to the communities.
This steady communication helped narrow the distance between the company and local stakeholders. In 2025, the operation contributed more than US$570 million to Ghana’s economy through tax payments, local procurement, employment, and community development. Direct payments to the Ghanaian government totaled US$189 million, covering corporate income taxmineral royalties, statutory fees, employee taxes, and the government’s carried interest. With its solid financial performance, the operation has become an important contributor to Ghana’s fiscal revenue and mining industry.
Zijin Golden Ridge also actively implemented Ghana’s localization requirements. Local procurement reached US$355 million in 2025, covering fuel, power, engineering services, equipment and materials, and logistical services. The company established strategic partnerships with local agencies and state-owned enterprises, including the Volta River Authority, Ghana Grid Company, and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, helping strengthen Ghana’s domestic supply chain. Cumulative local procurement by the mine has exceeded GHS4.19 billion, creating a significant multiplier effect across local industries.
Workforce localization was also advanced. The company directly employs 892 people, of whom 438 (49%) are from communities surrounding the mine. Among its contractors’ 578 employees, 319 (55%) are from nearby communities.
In 2025, the operation secured a 12-year extension to its mining lease. In early 2026, it also obtained approval for Phase I of its open-pit expansion, laying a legal foundation for long-term, stable operations. Zijin Golden Ridge also invited a Ghanaian government delegation to visit Zijin’s headquarters to understand the company’s global operations, green mining philosophy, and international operating experience, further strengthening the government’s confidence in Zijin’s commitment to a long-term presence in Ghana.
From “You” to “Us”
In January 2026, Zijin Golden Ridge signed a framework agreement with representatives of Birim North District, traditional leaders, and the local government. The agreement emphasized community support for Zijin Golden Ridge’s operations and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safe production, local participation, and the sustainable development of Birim North District.
Hakeem Abdul Antwi, District Chief Executive of the Birim North District Assembly, described the agreement as an important milestone in the district’s development. He said it brought the company, young people, and traditional leaders together under a shared development vision, demonstrating the importance of dialogue and cooperation in achieving sustainable development. He also pledged full support for the process, which will help ensure long-term peace and prosperity in Birim North District.
The agreement reflects the progress Zijin Golden Ridge has made in community engagement over the past year. Through platforms such as the Zijin Akyem Development Foundation and the Ntiamoah Foundation, the company has invested more than GHS15.5 million in community development. It has also invested an additional approximately GHS38 million in various projects covering education, healthcare, agricultural support, housing improvement, and alternative livelihoods. Scholarship programs supported by the company have benefited 5,200 students. The Akyem Vocational and Technical Institute, established with the company’s support, has already benefited more than 200 young people from local communities by helping them gain skills and employment.
Eunice Ofori, a mine truck driver with 10 years of experience, said that some people initially questioned whether a Chinese company would maintain high safety standards. However, the company has proven that its safety management ranks among the industry’s best. Eunice Ofori also noted that Zijin Golden Ridge has promoted employees a number of times, responded quickly to employee concerns, and hired more people from local communities.
In February 2026, Dr. Theresia Numbi, a member of the Tanzania Mining Commission and Chairperson of its Local Content Committee, led a delegation to visit Zijin Golden Ridge. She described the company as one of the finest examples of responsible mining she had encountered. She said Zijin Golden Ridge consistently puts communities first and has built deep connections with its host communities—an approach she regarded as a meaningful and distinctive strength compared with other mining companies.
Building a Greener Future
As a company expanding globally, Zijin is committed to green development, implementing environmental protection and ecological restoration programs to minimize the environmental impact of mining and contribute to the world’s green transition.
In March 2026, Zijin Golden Ridge and the Forestry Commission of Ghana launched the Atewa Biodiversity Offset Program, the first major program of its kind in Ghana's mining sector.
The 10-year program focuses on the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. Through forest protection, habitat restoration, replanting, enrichment planting, and community livelihood support, it aims to achieve “no net loss” of biodiversity from mining activities. The program has set a target of 371 “quality hectares.” In 2026, it will plant vegetation across approximately 1,500 hectares and carry out active restoration on 500 hectares.
At the same time, reclamation within the mine site is also progressing. The mine strictly adheres to reclamation requirements, with a total planned area for reclamation and afforestation of 317 hectares. By early 2026, more than 300,000 trees had been planted, and the first 60 hectares of reclamation had begun to show results. The operation is also promoting water recycling and energy-efficiency improvements.
On the operational front, Zijin Golden Ridge is continuing equipment upgrades and green transition. To date, the company has invested more than US$73 million in 75 medium and large pieces of equipment, including 16 hybrid mining trucks and 33 fully electric trucks. The use of these cleaner vehicles has effectively reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions, supporting the mine’s transition toward a greener, lower-carbon production model.
The past year has marked both meaningful progress and the start of a new chapter for Zijin Golden Ridge. The operation will deepen its partnerships with the government, local communities, and employees, ensuring that the benefits it generates are shared more widely across the land it calls home.
À propos de Zijin Mining
Zijin Mining est une entreprise mondiale leader dans le secteur des métaux et de l'exploitation minière, et l'un des plus grands producteurs mondiaux d'or, de cuivre et de zinc. La société compte plus de 30 sites miniers et projets d'envergure répartis dans 19 pays sur 5 continents. Grâce à ses solides capacités internes en matière de recherche, d'ingénierie et de développement, Zijin maintient une efficacité opérationnelle élevée à moindre coût, tant pour les acquisitions que pour les opérations. Cette approche lui permet de se positionner en tant que leader de la création de valeur, guidée par une philosophie de développement pour tous et soutenue par des performances exemplaires en matière d'environnement, de responsabilité sociale et de gouvernance. Les actions de Zijin sont cotées à la Bourse de Hong Kong (HKEX : 2899) et à la Bourse de Shanghai (SSE : 601899).