Kaolin is not one of Ghana’s top commodities but it still has a strong position in the Ghanaian trade market. Kaolin in Ghana has a centuries-old history of use, from households to small and big industries. Ghana offers great growth opportunities for any businesses interested in the kaolin market.

Kaolin Market Trend in Ghana

Ghanaians have used kaolin in their industries for centuries, and despite not being a major commodity, it still has a solid position in the Ghanaian market. In 2020, Ghana was the 59^th biggest kaolin importer and the 92^nd largest exporter of kaolin in the world.

Ghana mostly exports its kaolin to China, Belgium, and Canada, the top countries with a rising kaolin purchase trend. Meanwhile, Ghana also imports kaolin from China, alongside Portugal and India.

Since 2020, Ghana has been competing against The United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil in kaolin export. Meanwhile, Japan, Belgium, and China were the largest global competitors importing kaolin to Ghana. 

Kaolin is known in Ghana by several names, such as shere in Twi language and ayilo in Ga.

Where to Find Kaolin in Ghana

Kaolin deposits were found in several areas in Ghana. Anfoega in Volta Region contains one of Ghana’s widest kaolin deposits, covering around 160,000 square meters. Even before industrialized mining, locals had used the clay from these kaolin deposits. There is even a unique phenomenon of pregnant women craving clay from these deposits.

Assin-Fosu and Kumasi are two notable locations of kaolin deposits in Southern Ghana. Studies have shown that they have different characteristics despite originating from the southern area. Assin-Fosu kaolin is “purer” and ideal for whiteware and electric components. Meanwhile, Kumasi is more suitable for crafts like pottery and ceramic tiles.

What Industries Utilizing Kaolin Ghana?

Kaolin in Ghana is utilized in various industries. Examples include:

1. Laundry Soap Industry

Kaolin pellets are used for the laundry soap business in Ghana. They usually appear in laundry soap bars, which are popular in many households due to their cheap prices. Laundry soap bars that contain kaolin also offer decent absorbing power, making them good options for economical laundry products.

Related: Kaolin for Detergents: Cleaner and More Environmental-Friendly

2. Paint Industry

Kaolin is used in the paint industry for several purposes. It helps to add body and brightness and reduces the need for expensive pigments. It means giving the paint better results despite lower production costs.

3. Pottery Industry

Pottery is one of Ghana’s ancient industries and still holds a strong position in the country. Ghana has several regions that have become the centers of the pottery industry, such as Abonko, Pakrono, Tafo-Adompom, and Kumasi. Pottery-making is not only a popular household industry but also a part of tourism. Kaolin is one of the important materials for this industry.

4. Bricks and Ceramic Tiles

Constructions in Ghana often use bricks and tiles mixed with kaolin. Bricks with kaolin are a perfect choice for African countries because the material can withstand slightly higher heat than usual. Bricks with kaolin are also lightweight without compromising structural integrity and strength.

Related: The Use of High Quality Kaolin in Ceramic Industry

Kaolin has become a mixture of ceramic tiles in Ghana for centuries. Apart from strength and structural integrity, kaolin contributes to the tiles’ coloring result and brightness. Kaolin also contributes to beautiful and unique pastel hues.

5. Water Treatment

Water treatment facilities are important in Ghana, and kaolin has become one of the natural materials highly considered for them. Kaolin has a strong absorbance power as a natural material, which is ideal for stages like coagulation, flocculation, and filtering. Kaolin can also extract heavy metal ions from water molecules during treatment.

Related: Hydrous Kaolin to Produce Glossy and Semi Gloss Coatings

The Future of Kaolin in Ghana

West African countries, including Ghana, have quite a bright prospect in the kaolin market. The overall West African kaolin markets showed a two percent increase from 2020 to 2021. There is also a consistent increase in the annual rate (around 4.4 percent), albeit with some fluctuations.

Ghana has good potential as a future kaolin market, especially for importers. If you are interested in the kaolin business, consider importing good-quality ones to the country. Yukami (PT Yudian Kawan Mineral) is ready to accommodate your kaolin business plans, including importing it to Ghana and other West African countries.

Kaolin in Ghana offers a wonderful business opportunity for global companies. Visit Yukami.co.id and contact us if you plan to import kaolin to Ghana.