Ing. Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines has declared that the modern technological advancement i.e Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, data analytics and material science are critical in keeping the country’s mining industry relevant and resilient.
At the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a $1.2 million state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Materials Testing Laboratory at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Mr. Ken Ashigbey underscored the critical importance of technological innovation in keeping Ghana’s mining sector afloat.
“The world is in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution, some even say the fifth. And for Ghana’s mining sector to remain relevant and resilient, we must not only build local capacity in artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics and material science, but we should also develop and contribute to these technologies, considering our local and African perspective.”
Ing. Ken Ashigbey
Ashigbey’s remarks reflected a deep understanding of the transformative forces at play in the mining sector, as he eloquently articulated the Chamber’s strategic vision. “The establishment of this lab is not just another contribution to the fiscal or infrastructure project. It is a strategic investment in Ghana’s future,” he emphasized, awakening the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the project’s impact.
According to Mr. Ashigbey, the facility is not just about technology. It’s about shaping the future of mining industry and making it more competitive and sustainable.
Ghana Chamber of Mines
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has long been at the forefront of driving the industry’s transformation, leveraging its position as the primary representative body to champion sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Through its advocacy efforts and collaborative initiatives, the Chamber played an instrumental role in directing and redirecting the policy landscape and fostering a more equitable and environmentally-conscious mining ecosystem.
One of the Chamber’s key priorities has been the empowerment of local communities and the promotion of inclusive growth.
The organization spearheaded programs and projects that directly benefit the host communities, ensuring that the mining industry’s success translates into tangible improvements in the lives of the people.
The Chamber’s recent move to establish the AI, Robotics, and Materials Testing Laboratory at UMaT once again demonstrates its commitment to driving technological innovation and building local capacity.
By investing in this cutting-edge facility, the Chamber aims to equip students and researchers with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by the mining sector in Ghana.
Mining Industry and AI and Robotics
Ashigbey’s speech highlighted the transformative potential of the AI and robotics center, emphasizing its ability to reshape the entire mining value chain.
From exploration and discovery to mine planning, operations, and sustainability, the facility will serve as a hub for the development of advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship.
“This facility will equip our students and researchers with hands-on experience in developing robotics and AI-driven solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the mining sector in Ghana,” Ing. Ashigbey explained, outlining the center’s comprehensive scope.
The integration of these technologies will facilitate a paradigm shift in the industry, transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance, and breaking down the traditional silos between exploration, mining, processing, and logistics.
By enabling seamless data flow and holistic optimization, the AI and robotics center will empower mining companies to operate as a single, integrated system, driving significant improvements in overall performance and sustainability.
Ghanaian Workforce and Local Content
Ashigbey emphasized that the AI and robotics center also holds the key to future-proofing the Ghanaian workforce, ensuring that young engineers and scientists are equipped to thrive in the increasingly automated and data-driven mining landscape.
Furthermore, the center’s focus on materials testing and certification will play a crucial role in transitioning Ghana’s industrial strategy from a passive “buy local” policy to an active “make local, innovate local, and certify local” paradigm.
By addressing the barriers to local manufacturing, the facility will create new opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to participate in the mining supply chain, driving economic diversification and job creation.
While the mining industry continues to evolve, the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ strategic investment in AI, robotics, and materials testing stands as a great reflection to the organization’s vision for a more technologically-advanced, sustainable, and inclusive mining sector.
Through this landmark initiative, the Chamber is poised to lead Ghana’s mining industry into a future defined by innovation, resilience, and shared prosperity.
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