The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources says the landscape of the mining industry is evolving rapidly, and Ghana must position itself strategically to harness the opportunities presented by this dynamic sector.
Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor said the country must continue to develop innovative measures that will promote sustainable mining practices, while protecting the environment, and contributing to national development.
Delivering his keynote address at the 8th Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference hosted by the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), he stressed that it is by harnessing the power of innovation that "we can maximise efficiency, reduce waste, and create a knowledge-driven mining sector".
He also added that it is by the power of technology that Ghana can address the historical environmental and social challenges associated with mining, promote energy efficiency and build a circular economy.
"It is through innovation that we can increase production and add more value to the minerals we produce," he stressed.
Mr. Jinapor emphasised that this Conference creates a unique platform for all stakeholders to examine some of the most important issues in the mining industry, particularly the role of technology and innovation in building a green, sustainable and safe mining industry.
He continued that it is an invitation to all, particularly industry players and academia, to assess past and current mining practices, "and more importantly, it is a call to broaden our frontiers, and scale up research to develop affordable and innovative technologies to promote green and sustainable mining and mineral processing".
Touching on the topic; Critical Minerals: Ghana's Preparedness for Value Addition", he said it is very crucial today, given the prime role minerals play in green energy transition. These critical minerals, often rare and geologically complex, underpin the transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy.
He disclosed that his Ministry is currently in the final stages of laying before Parliament a Legislative Instrument, pursuant to section 28 of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation Act, 2018 (Act 976), to restrict the export of bauxite in its raw state. He is hopeful that this Instrument will be passed before the tenure of the current Parliament ends on 6th January 2025.
Mr Jinapor updated that his team has also concluded negotiations with the majority shareholder of Ghana Manganese Company, and very soon, H.E. the President of the Republic will cut sod for work to commence on a Four Hundred and Fifty Million US Dollars (US$450,000,000.00) manganese refinery at Nsuta.
This refinery, he added will upgrade the quality of Ghana's manganese from the current twenty-seven percent (27%) to about forty percent (40%), leading to the production and export of various refined products, including battery grade manganese, one of the key components for the production of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
"We must invest in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to support the development of a robust minerals value chain. Institutions such as the University of Mines and Technology should continue to promote research and development, and institute appropriate skills and training programmes to produce the requisite capacities and facilities necessary to build and manage processing plants to add value to the critical minerals we produce," he stressed.
He encouraged participants to let this Conference, serve as a renewal of the commitment of all stakeholders in the mining industry to work together towards realising Ghana’s potential as the hub of mineral processing.
The Lands Minister believes "Ghana is, indeed, prepared for value addition to our critical minerals, and this preparedness rests on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices. Let us, therefore, work together to unlock the full potential of our mineral wealth, ensuring prosperity for all Ghanaians".
This year's forum on the theme; “Innovations in Mining and Mineral Processing: Expanding the Frontiers of Mining Technology,” also assembled policymakers, engineers, scientists, researchers, business executives, students and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues in the mining sector.
It was held under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Richard Amankwah.