The Mining, Construction and Real Estate Group was created by Zenith Bank in February 2009, to specialize in meeting the specific banking needs of the three industries numerated below. Since the creation of the group, the knowledge base of the industries which the group oversees has increased tremendously. Lasting and very fruitful relationships (both to bank and customer) has been established and much more strides are been made to further deepen already exiting relationships and to start new and very promising ones.

Below are briefs about the various industries encompassed by this group.

Mining

Ghana has made tremendous strides in the mining sector since the introduction of the Economic Recovery Program (ERP) in 1984. The program has encouraged major investments into the sector, which has seen mining companies like Anglo gold, Goldfields, Golden Star Resources, and Newmount investing significant amounts in the country. Other major investors in the sector include Ghana Bauxite, Ghana Manganese, Ghacem and Pambros Salt. The contribution of the mining sector to the country's Gross Domestic Product has increased from 1.3% in the early 90s to about 5% in recent times.

Major minerals mined in Ghana include, Gold (which contributes about 90% of total mineral export), Diamond, Iron Ore, Manganese, Limestone, Bauxite, salt, etc

The future of the mining industry looks bright with more mineral fields being discovered and the favourable market prizes of minerals on the world market. Zenith Bank is making strides to be a major player by providing timely, efficient and flexible banking services to the companies in the mining industry.

Construction

The construction sector had a negative growth of 1% in 2009 and we can all attest to its adverse impact on the economy. In this year's budget statement, the government indicated its intentions to grow the sector by 8%. This is evidenced in the projects the government has already outlined which include Awoshie -Pokuase road, Eastern Corridor, Gifford Project, Tema urban Roads, etc

In this regard, Zenith Bank Ghana Limited has positioned itself to form lasting partnership in the execution of all these projects and many more to come in the near future.

Real Estates

In seeking to reduce the housing deficit and improve on the standard of living of Ghanaians, the government of Ghana through its Ministries and agencies is pursuing various affordable housing programs to build housing units for Ghanaians.

Government efforts is being complemented by individual households and real estate developers who are more inclined to developing housing units for the growing middle class and upper class. It is estimated that about 100,000 units of houses will be built in 2010.

Zenith Bank (GH) Ltd having identified the opportunities in this industry, have uniquely positioned itself as a preferred partner in the area of Real Estate Finance, Through our past experience and expert advise, the bank has evolved from providing general banking products and services to the provision of tailored services in this industry.

Products offered under this sector include the following;

•  Project Financing
•  Finance Lease
•  Long and Medium-term loans
•  Overdraft facilities
•  Import Financing
•  Asset Financing
•  Guarantees ( Bid Security, Performance and Advance Payment Guarantees etc)
•  Trade Services
•  Automated Direct Payment System( which allows payments to staff and third parties irrespective of the stipulated bank)
•  Attractive staff Loan packages