Barbex Group is a leading Ghanaian multi-business operator with roots in mining, agriculture, and technology. David Tabi, Head of Operations and Business Development, outlines how the company has been building its business on the foundations of integrity and excellence.
TRIUMPHANTLY GROWING GHANA
Founded in 1990 by Henry Tabi to serve the growing needs of Ghana’s mining sector, Barbex Group (Barbex) has been proudly enhancing the nation ever since.
“As one of the first Ghanaian-owned companies to start consignment stocks of critical reagents in the industry, we managed inventory and allowed mines to focus on their core operations,” introduces David Tabi, Head of Operations and Business Development.
The company quickly became, and still is, a trusted partner offering a wide range of solutions such as overseeing logistics and port services, exporting samples for lab analyses, and liaising with regulators and companies on interesting assignments such as visa assistance, amongst others.
“Many of these services have grown over the years to make us a leading supplier of mining reagents, industrial chemicals, and equipment. To date, we have represented reputable companies such as DuPont, Orica, Evonik, CyPlus GmbH, Solvay, Dunlop, and many others,” he prides.
Barbex’s facility and warehouses in Tarkwa – complete with the state-of-the-art Jubilee Terminal, which houses stock control and inventory management systems – allow it to deliver just-in-time supply services for clients across Ghana and beyond.
This includes effectively storing, supplying, and managing various quantities of reagents such as quicklime, cyanide, activated carbon, and hydrogen peroxide.
“We pride ourselves on being the first Ghanaian service support company to earn the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC) certification, which reinforces our commitment to global safety and environmental standards.”
AHEAD OF THE CURVE
The global mining sector is evolving rapidly, with technology and sustainability shaping its future.
As such, digital tracking systems, automation, and environmentally responsible practices are now considered industry benchmarks.
“We have embraced these trends by deploying cutting-edge technology to improve service speed, accuracy, and safety. This ties in perfectly with our just-in-time delivery philosophy,” Tabi affirms.
Furthermore, to remain ahead of the curve, Barbex partners with renowned laboratories and technology innovators.
“These collaborations allow us to introduce advanced solutions that minimise environmental impact whilst increasing efficiency for our customers,” he adds.
For Barbex, the goal is simple – to deliver exceptional value without compromising the environment.
ADAPT AND OVERCOME
At present, Barbex is particularly excited about a strategic partnership with a technology-driven company that focuses on sustainable materials processing.
This initiative is designed to reduce environmental degradation through sustainable metal processing with traditional mining methods.
“In the modern age of environmental awareness and consciousness, Barbex is seeking to help in this regard. We are also looking into viable ways of ensuring sustainable production and manufacturing whilst safeguarding profit and longevity,” Tabi explains.
“It’s a bold step towards integrating secular economy principles into our operations and represents the future of mining support services in Ghana and beyond.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the toughest periods for the company as it exposed vulnerabilities within global and local supply chains, forcing Barbex to rethink and redesign its operational model.
“We implemented a more flexible but resilient logistics framework, diversified our supplier base, and strengthened our digital capabilities to manage inventory and track shipments more efficiently,” he tells us.
This period of disruption became a turning point, enabling the company to identify bottlenecks, close gaps, and innovate in ways that continue to benefit its clients today.
INNOVATION AND EXPANSION
Moving forwards, Barbex’s vision is to evolve further up the mining value chain.
“This means expanding and upscaling our operations beyond Ghana and scaling into sub-Saharan Africa whilst adding manufacturing and processing capabilities to our portfolio,” Tabi sets out.
“We aim to become not only a trusted supply chain partner for all in the value chain but also a regional leader in integrated mining solutions.”
The coming year will be one of innovation and expansion for the company.
As such, Barbex is exploring new lines of business within Ghana and the West African subregion, strengthening its logistics infrastructure, and forming new alliances and partnerships through the Ghana Chamber of Mines as well as other recognised institutions, all whilst leveraging advanced technologies to better serve its clients.
“Our focus is on creating a robust, diverse, dynamic, future-ready company that can compete on both regional and international stages,” he finishes with pride.
