Stakeholders have deepenedcollaboration to transform Ghana's mining sector by championing technological innovations to enhance processing and address traditional mining challenges for a more responsible future.
At a summit in Accra over the weekend, stakeholders noted the significant contribution of mining to Ghana's economic development, but not without touching on the mounting pressures of safety concerns, efficiency, and sustainability requirements.
Against this background, they called for a unified front to tap into technological innovations, including Artificial Intelligence as the primary solution to modernisingoperations and meet 21st-century standards for responsible resource extraction.
The stakeholders committed to serving as catalysts for green development, advocating for public-private partnerships, and holding industry members accountable to international standards through enhanced transparency and responsibility.
Organised by Huawei Ghana in partnership with the Association of China-Ghana Mining LBG, the event brought together industry leaders, technical experts and partners to explore a blueprint for intelligent, green and safe mining.
Tang Zhejiang, President of the Association of China-Ghana Mining, said that mining provided a "solid foundation of economic development and guarantee for progress and human society."
Challenges such as environmental degradation, illegal mining (galamsey), and conflicts over land use, which hadbecome pronounced recently, called for the urgent need to transition toward green, intelligent, and safe mining practices, he said.
"Green mining practices does not only minimize environmental footprints and transform reclaimed lands into agriculture hubs, but help enhance biodiversity and contribute to carbon sequestration, while addressing the broader issue of climate change," Tang said.
Cao Hongyu, the General Manager of Huawei Ghana, reinforced the technology imperative, stating that "innovations will accelerate transformation in the mining industry towards safety, intelligence and sustainability."
He called for collaborative approaches among industry stakeholders to effectively address the sector's evolving challenges.
"The use of data analytics and technologies, including AI,can drive reductions in cost, efficiency improvements, and safety in mine production."
Regarding security in Ghana's mining sector, Mr Hongyuencouraged companies to protect both the physical assets and the human resource alongside putting in place cybersecurity measures to improve financial returns and societal development.
Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ghana Chamber of Mines, presented acomprehensive vision for Ghana's mining future, calling for the development of a resilient and respected industry through green mining.
This included the adoption of frameworks by mining companies to encompass minimising environmental footprints, transforming reclaimed mining lands into agricultural hubs, and harnessing solar energy to reduce both emissions and operational costs.
He explained that integration of smart technologies was essential for optimising energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, urging all sector players to make "green, intelligent and safe mining" the primary engine for Ghana's green transition.
He said it was important for all stakeholders to supportshaping the future of Ghana's mining sector, advocating for initiatives that "leaves more than holes in the ground but build futures above the ground."
Dr Ashigbey encouraged the government to review the sector's policy, with focus on creating flexibility for resilience and market stabilisation through data-driven decision-making.