Angela List, Founder and CEO of Nguvu Mining, details the group’s advantageous acquisitional history and exciting future developments that will solidify its position at the forefront of West Africa’s mining landscape.
ADVANCING WEST AFRICAN MINING
Currently, Africa’s mining industry thrives with potential as significant advancements in technology and sustainability make it an increasingly exciting environment to work in.
Namely, innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data analytics are revolutionising mining operations, making them safer and more efficient.
Additionally, businesses are adopting eco-friendly practices, including renewable energy projects, to reduce their environmental impact and enhance productivity.
The industry’s upward trajectory also presents opportunities for economic development, job creation, and mining innovation across the continent. Examples include the Kibali gold mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Newmont’s Ahafo mine in the Sefwi Volcanic Belt and Gold Fields’ Tarka and Damang mines in the Ashanti Belt, Ghana.
These projects have bought community development to the fore by building schools, health centres, and roads, alongside providing scholarships and vocational training to Indigenes.
Therefore, whilst the industry faces challenges such as regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns, collaboration between governments, companies, and communities is helping to drive sustainable growth.
“Africa is poised to become a global leader in mining with rich mineral resources,” introduces Angela List, Founder and CEO of Nguvu Mining (Nguvu), which has grown over the last nine years to become a distinguished mining conglomerate and a formidable force in the region’s mining sector.
POWERFUL ACQUISITIONS
Historically, Nguvu’s strategic acquisitions have not only enabled its position as one of the largest and most attractive mining investment opportunities in the West African sub-region, but strengthened it.
“Over the years, we’ve acquired high-value assets and companies, enhancing our production capacity and providing us with the opportunity to integrate advanced technologies and best practices into our operations,” List informs.
At the forefront of its diverse portfolio is Adamus Resources Limited (Adamus), whose Nzema gold mine project was the first mine to be acquired in Q4 2016.
Two years later, the company acquired Segala Mining, expanding its presence further across West Africa to Mali. In 2019, Nguvu went a step further when it purchased Société des Mines du Liptako (SML) and its mining project, a significant venture in Niger.
The following year, the company’s operational footprint expanded with the acquisition of Northern Ashanti Mines (Northern Ashanti), based in Konongo, Ghana.
These two notable acquisitions have given the company the opportunity to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, such as automation and AI, into its future operations.
More recently, Nguvu’s geographical expanse reached Burkino Faso, home to the company’s Poura Resources gold project. Acquired in 2021, this mine is in its advanced stages and expected to commence production towards the end of 2025.
On top of this, Nguvu also controls smaller projects such as the Ankamu gold project in the Central Region of Ghana and JB Precision Engineering in Tarkwa in the Western Region of the country.
The company is additionally expanding its horizons with exploration projects in Ivory Coast and Guinea, making it a powerful force in the region’s mining field.
This is reflected by the unparalleled and highly impressive amounts of gold recovered, produced, and sold across its four sites, totalling a staggering 250,000 ounces of gold per year.
“By continuously identifying and acquiring valuable assets, Nguvu strives to stay ahead of industry trends, delivering value to our stakeholders and maintaining our position as a trusted player in the mining sector,” List prides.
INDUSTRY-LEADING POSITION
Nguvu’s leading position is driven by its bold response to the needs of both the company and industry.
“Our proactive approach to growth and innovation helps us to remain a preferred partner for investment,” List elaborates.
The SML project in Niger, for instance, represents a key step in Nguvu’s growth strategy. The continuous development of the site will significantly expand the company’s production capacity, enabling it to meet the increasing demand for minerals.
Conversely, Nguvu faces considerable challenges in the project’s development, such as Niger’s recent security circumstances, which have posed significant difficulties in mobilising the necessary equipment and parts.
“The need for military escorts often results in operational delays. This situation discourages transporters whilst those willing to take the risk are charging higher fees to compensate for potential issues,” List explains.
Despite these obstacles, the company remains committed to overcoming them through strategic planning and collaboration with local authorities.
“By addressing these challenges and successfully developing the SML project, we aim to set a new benchmark for operational excellence and resilience in the mining industry,” she urges.
Therefore, the SML project not only positions Nguvu for future growth but also highlights its dedication to navigating complex environments to achieve its goals.
Elsewhere, the company has a number of additional projects that underscore its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
One notable project is the Northern Ashanti plant refurbishment, upgrading it to a capacity of 2,000 tonnes per hour. This will enhance Nguvu’s efficiency and allow it to meet and exceed its production targets.
The company also greatly anticipates the development of a sulphide plant at Adamus’ Nzema gold mine project, located in the Western Region of Ghana. Plans are already in place for the plant to complement the existing oxide processing facility, enabling the full potential of its ore deposits to be exploited.
Thus, by tapping into previously undeveloped sulphide deposits, Nguvu can significantly increase its production capabilities and resource utilisation.
“These projects not only add immense value to our operations but also create jobs and support economic growth in the regions where we operate.”
PURPOSEFUL AND INNOVATIVE SUPPLIERS
A trusted partner since the commencement of its operations, Nguvu’s recent investment in Liebherr construction machinery marks a significant milestone.
By incorporating Liebherr’s advanced equipment, the company has enhanced its operational efficiency, safety, and productivity. Moreover, the investment aligns with Nguvu’s commitment to sustainable and innovative mining practices and positions it advantageously for future growth.
Indeed, Liebherr’s machinery is renowned for its reliability and performance, and integrating this state-of-the-art equipment allows the company to set new industry benchmarks.
The improved precision and automation capabilities afforded by the equipment enable Nguvu to optimise its resource extraction and reduce its environmental impact.
Additionally, the equipment’s enhanced safety features provide a safer working environment for employees, reinforcing Nguvu’s commitment to staff well-being.
“Whilst we anticipate potential challenges, Nguvu and Libeherr are committed to working together to identify and address any issues, ensuring the smooth integration and operation of machinery.
“This strategic move reflects our dedication to staying ahead of the curve and delivering superior value to our stakeholders,” List reflects.
The recent investment is a demonstration of how Nguvu’s supply chain operations are purposefully designed to be efficient and responsive.
Indeed, the company uses a combination of centralised and decentralised procurement to achieve the best results.
The former is handled at group level in situations where leveraging economies of scale, strategic sourcing, and standardisation provide significant benefits.
This approach ensures cost savings, consistency, and regulatory compliance, whilst also allowing the company to consolidate large purchases, secure better terms, and negotiate long-term contracts, fostering integrity and accountability throughout the business.
Furthermore, Nguvu’s centralised procurement is an instrumental component of the company’s commitment to regulations concerning anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and targeted financial sanctions (TSF).
“By centralising our procurement processes, we ensure that our activities are free from financial crimes and align with global financial standards,” List points out.
Equally important to the company is the fact that it can help support local suppliers by providing them with consistent business opportunities, which fosters positive relationships and contributes to the local economy.
This commitment to social responsibility guarantees reliable supply chains that benefit both Nguvu’s operations and the communities it serves.
DIGGING DEEP FOR ESG
A dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices is at the heart of Nguvu.
From an environmental perspective, the company is focused on sustainable mining practices, reducing waste, and minimising its carbon footprint through renewable energy initiatives.
Through the Poura Resources gold project in Burkina Faso and the SML project in Niger, for example, the company aims to implement eco-friendly practices and invest in local communities.
At the forefront of Nguvu’s sustainable mining practices is the expansion of its solar energy capacity. This endeavour involves installing solar panels across its sites to harness renewable energy, which will significantly reduce the company’s carbon footprint and operational costs whilst also representing its steadfast dedication to sustainability.
Equally, Nguvu has several impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, including the Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School project that supports practical learning for students as well as the raising of poultry and cultivation of fish and crops.
Moreover, by purchasing these products, the company supplies high-quality protein for its workforce alongside supporting local education and creating a sustainable source of income for the community.
Other initiatives include Nguvu’s Women’s Training and Employment project that empowers local women by educating them in detergent and soap making, creating a market for their products and fostering entrepreneurship.
In addition, the company is planning a mechanised agriculture project to provide alternative livelihoods and protect the environment.
“In terms of governance, we uphold the highest standards of transparency, ethics, and accountability, and comply with AML, CFT, and TSF regulations,” List points out.
“Our ESG initiatives reflect our commitment to creating long-term value for our stakeholders and positively impacting society and the environment.”
STRATEGIC GROWTH
Going forwards, Nguvu’s key priorities for the coming year include a strategic focus on growth, sustainability, and innovation.
For instance, the company aims to expand its production capacity by advancing the SML, Poura Resources, and Segala Mining projects across West Africa.
On top of this, Nguvu aims to complete the ongoing plant upgrade works at Northern Ashanti, whilst also advancing a sulphide plant at Adamus’ Nzema gold mine project.
“Enhancing operational efficiency is a top priority, and we are committed to integrating advanced technologies such as automation and AI, alongside investing in high-quality machinery to improve safety and productivity,” List adds.
Sustainability also remains at the core of the company’s future operations as it strives to implement eco-friendly practices, renewable energy initiatives, and responsible waste management across all projects.
Nguvu’s realms of support also extend to community development initiatives, which include building schools, health centres, and infrastructure, as well as providing scholarships and vocational training to create positive socioeconomic impacts.
“We are also focused on addressing operational challenges, such as security concerns, through strategic planning and collaboration with local authorities,” she highlights.
Exploring purpose-driven acquisitions and partnerships will enable Nguvu to diversify its portfolio and enhance capabilities.
Lastly, the company strongly believes in investing in its workforce by providing continuous training and development opportunities that are critical for its success.
“By focusing on these areas, Nguvu aims to drive growth, innovation, and deliver exceptional value to stakeholders, positioning us for continued success in the industry,” List concludes.
NGUVU MINING PARTNERS
