The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) together with Miwatek Ghana, a Specialist Engineering Company which deals in the treatment of mining wastewater have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide training opportunities for students of the University.
Signing the agreement on behalf of the University, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah said that although the paramount aim of the MoU is to provide learning opportunities and internships for students, the biggest benefit is the possibility of cleaning wastewater or water bodies polluted by both small-scale and large-scale mining companies in the country. The Vice Chancellor said that as part of research to promote sustainable mining in Ghana, the University has been granted a concession by the Minerals Commission to run a model small-scale mine. Thus, the MoU with Miwatek Ghana Limited could be a game changer since the mandate of the University as the foremost mining engineering institution is not only to train personnel for industry but also it has the responsibility to conduct research and solve some of the excesses that emanate from mining activities in the country such as mining pollution. Professor Amankwah expressed optimism that by teaming up, the University and Miwatek can explore some of the can-dos in the small-scale mining arena, in order to clear some of the waters polluted by small-scale mining operations.
The Managing Director of Miwatek Ghana Limited, Mr Herman Grobler, who signed on behalf of his company said that Miwatek employs some of the world’s premier chemical engineers who have a lot of experience and methods that they can share with students and researchers of the University. Mr Grobler said that it is a great opportunity to work together with UMaT, especially with the introduction of the Chemical Engineering programme. He further mentioned that as a way of giving back to society, Miwatek will be awarding bursaries to brilliant students as well as providing internship opportunities to students of the Chemical Engineering Department.
Speaking further on the benefits of the collaboration Mr Grober detailed that as a company that deals in treating mine wastewater which contains oil, heavy metals, and suspension particles, among others they were excited to partner with UMaT since it is one of the key institutions in Ghana which is devoted to the conduct of research in the area of mine wastewater. Mr Grober was hopeful that through the collaboration, Miwatek and UMaT will be able to influence their space very positively.
The MOU, which was signed on Friday, 19th May, 2023 is expected to remain in force for an initial period of four (4) years from the date of signing and may be renewed by mutual consent for an agreed period.
Present at the signing of the agreement were Mr Christopher Osae, Country Manager for Miwatek and Nana Andoh, a representative of the Ghana Chamber of Mines. The University was represented by Professor Anthony Simons, Pro Vice Chancellor, Mr M. K. Okrah, Registrar, Assoc Professor Cynthia B. Boye, Dean of International Programmes, and Dr Solomon Adjei Marfo, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
