The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, says the landscape of the mining industry, is evolving rapidly, and Ghana must position herself, strategically, to harness the opportunities presented by the sector.
He said the country must, therefore, 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), under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Richard Amankwah, on Thursday, 1st August, 2024, 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”.
Mr Jinapor touted 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, vis-à-vis the industry we seek to build. “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 is very crucial today, given the prime role critical minerals play in green energy transition.
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