Hon George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency, Guest Speaker of the Opening Ceremony
The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), has organised its 7th Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference for engineers, scientists, researchers, consultants, business executives, students and other stakeholders on the theme; “Innovation in Mining and Mineral Processing; Expanding the Frontiers of Mining Technology”. The conference which was held on 2nd to 3rd August, 2022, was to present new developments in mining and to discuss environmental and sustainable development issues, as well as climate change issue.
The conference was preceded by a three-day Pre-Conference Short Course on Sustainable Small-Scale Mining for a total of one hundred and nineteen (119) small-scale miners.
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency, Hon George Mireku Duker was the Guest Speaker during the opening of the programme. In his address, he said that the theme for the conference buttresses that technology in mining is simply the application of scientific innovation from drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, beneficiation of the ore to the market for an improved value.
Hon Duker, noted that the University’s contribution as a Mining and Technology University in the West African sub-region cannot be underestimated. He indicated that research projects from UMaT, have resulted in increased growth in productivity and discovery of innovations in the Mining and Minerals Sector. He further mentioned that landmark researches from UMaT, such as; research findings on mercury pollution abatement in Small-scale gold operations, the ‘Sika Bukyia’ technology, works on Mineral Royalty payment, and Corporate Social Responsibility structure among equally important researches have contributed immensely towards the development of the mining sector.
Hon Mireku Duker, stated that the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted a four-fold increase in the need for critical minerals by 2040 hence, the industry requires more capital and operational expenditures, as well as strategic and advanced technologies to extract and process minerals.
Hon Duker mentioned that some African countries such as Zambia, South Africa, Liberia and Sudan have explored and understudied Ghana’s small scale mining module and methodology against the operation of illegal mining. “This is an indication of the progress made as a country in the fight against illegal mining by Government through the support and initiatives of Civil Society Organisation (CSO) and institutions like UMaT”, he added.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Richard K. Amankwah, in his address, said that ‘the UMaT Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference brings big minds and brains to share ideas and to find ways of solving local problems and adding new knowledge to various disciplines’. He mentioned that eighty-four (84) research projects would be presented during the conference and hoped that they would have the potential to solve some global challenges.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Richard K. Amankwah Giving His Address
Prof Amankwah, said that the three-day training programme on Sustainable Small-Scale Mining was organised for Small-Scale Operators to help promote sustainable mining and environmental practices. He expressed appreciation to the Hon Mireku Duker and the Municipal Chief Executive, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, Hon Benjamin Kesse, for their efforts to make the conference a success.
The 7th UMaT Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference received support from Newmont Corporation, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited, Ghana Natural Gas Company, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Metso:Outotec, Intertek, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), African Resource Management, Access Bank, Rocksure International, and Precious Mineral Marketing Company (PMMC).
In attendance during the opening ceremony were Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Anthony Simons, Registrar, Mr M. K. Okrah, Librarian, Ms Korklu Laryea, Deans, Heads of Departments, Small Scale Mining Operators, Staff and Students of the University, and other stakeholders.
Some Participants at the Opening Ceremony
Some officials; Chairman of UMaT Council, Dr Stephen S. Yirenkyi (3rd from right), MCE Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, Hon Benjamin Kesse (3rd from left), Guest Speaker, Hon George Mireku Duker (4th from right), Vice Chancellor, Prof Richard K. Amankwah, (5th from right), and other dignitaries during the opening ceremony
Participants of the 3 Days School on Small Scale Mining
Source: University Relations Office
