Elmina is not only known for its forts and castles but also for its Salt Mining Site, where traditional methods of salt extraction are still in use. Visitors can watch the locals at work, harvesting salt from the lagoons. It’s an insightful experience that showcases the region’s natural resources and the enduring importance of salt in local trade.
The most common method for salt production in Elmina is through solar evaporation, where seawater is collected in shallow ponds (salt pans) and left to evaporate under the sun. This natural process concentrates the salt, which is then harvested.
Elmina’s salt mining is characterized by small-scale, artisanal producers, many of whom are part of local communities. These producers often rely on family labor and traditional methods.