The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has emphasized the need for Ghana to strategically position itself to harness the evolving opportunities within the mining industry. Speaking at the 8th Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference, hosted by the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Jinapor stressed the importance of sustainable mining practices, environmental protection, and national development.
In his keynote address, Mr Jinapor highlighted the role of innovation in maximizing efficiency, reducing waste, and fostering a knowledge-driven mining sector.
“By harnessing the power of technology, Ghana can address historical environmental and social challenges associated with mining, promote energy efficiency, and build a circular economy,” he stated.
Jinapor praised the conference as a unique platform for stakeholders to examine critical issues in the mining industry, particularly the role of technology and innovation in creating a green, sustainable, and safe mining sector.
He urged industry players and academia to assess past and current mining practices and to scale up research to develop affordable and innovative technologies for sustainable mining and mineral processing.
Focusing on the topic, “Critical Minerals: Ghana’s Preparedness for Value Addition,” Jinapor underscored the importance of critical minerals in the green energy transition.
These minerals, often rare and geologically complex, are essential for a sustainable low-carbon economy. He announced that his ministry is finalizing a Legislative Instrument to restrict the export of raw bauxite, which he hopes will be passed before the current Parliament ends on January 6, 2025.
Mr Jinapor also disclosed that negotiations with the majority shareholder of Ghana Manganese Company have concluded, and soon, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will inaugurate a $450 million manganese refinery at Nsuta.
This refinery will upgrade the quality of Ghana’s manganese, leading to the production and export of refined products, including battery-grade manganese, a key component 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,” Mr Jinapor stressed.
He called on institutions like UMaT to promote research and development, and to institute appropriate skills and training programs necessary for building and managing processing plants to add value to critical minerals.
Jinapor encouraged conference participants to renew their commitment to collaboration and innovation in the mining industry, aiming to realize Ghana’s potential as a hub for mineral processing and beneficiation.
“Ghana is prepared for value addition to our critical minerals, and this preparedness rests on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices. Let us work together to unlock the full potential of our mineral wealth, ensuring prosperity for all Ghanaians,” he concluded.
The forum, themed “Innovations in Mining and Mineral Processing: Expanding the Frontiers of Mining Technology,” brought together policymakers, engineers, scientists, researchers, business executives, students, and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues in the mining sector.
