Atlantic Lithium has intensified engagement with its host communities after securing a 15-year lease to mine lithium in Ghana.

The engagement was aimed at creating a platform to deepen the relationship between the firm and its host communities in the Central Region.

Lithium is one of the main minerals used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which is being promoted as a substitute for fossil fuels, as the world continues to battle with climate change.

The Australia-based Atlantic Lithium on Thursday (19 October) secured a 15-year mining lease from the government of Ghana after meeting all the  requirements.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ghextractives.com, the Country Manager of Atlantic Lithium, Abdul-Razak Shaibu Ballah said the company is currently the leading employer and taxpayer in the Central Region.

“The company has contributed significantly to the local area where it is located, currently as I speak, Atlantic Lithium is the leading employer and taxpayer in the Central Region.

“We have been donating medical equipment to health facilities, we've been sponsoring local events and delivering improvement in its infrastructure, and initiatives such as this will continue when full production begins.”

“Currently the company has only one expatriate working with us in Ghana, the remaining team members are Ghanaians, the majority of which comes from the host communities,” he said.