The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has expressed government’s determination to build a mining sector which is resilient and fortified enough to withstand the next global crisis.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening day of the West African Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum (WAIMM) Annual Industry Conference, Mr Mireku Duker lamented that the mining industry was not spared from the dire impact of the twin crisis of COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine war.

He disclosed that the industry was badly hit by the crises but the government as part of its economic reform, is introducing new policies that will lead to the creation of an economy that will be able to repel the shocks of the next global crisis.

Mr Mireku Duker stated that the mining industry has taken the lead in the reformation drive through the promotion of responsible and sustainable mining practices. He stated the theme for the two-day conference which is: ‘Building A Resilient and Sustainable Natural Resources Industry Beyond Global Pandemic’, ties in perfectly with the new direction being pursued by government in the extractive sector.

He advanced that the conference provides the platform for the exchange of ideas on addressing the problems that hit the sector due to the crises.

“The conference also seeks to provide the platform for discussing appropriate and innovative ways of addressing global and national challenges confronting national development through mining. I’m also glad to learn that the event is dedicated to not only knowledge sharing and the dissemination of innovations but also to develop existing business interest in the country and promoting new opportunities in the value chain of the oil and gas and mining sectors.”
George Mireku Duker

Impact of mining sector on Ghana’s development

Hon. Mireku Duker explained that the mining sector has for centuries served as the bedrock for Ghana’s socio-economic development and that every policy initiative rolled out is geared towards the purgation of the sector to enhance revenue generation capacity.

He noted for example that in 2021, gold contributed about 16.48% of government’s revenue and 35.6% in terms of total merchandize exports. He noted that the country generated export revenue of $5.083 billion from the exportation of 2.820 million ounces of gold.

According to the deputy lands minister, government is pursuing a drive to diversify the mining sector by creating a refinery hub for bauxite and iron in the country.

The 5th annual WAIMM Industry Conference WAIC 2022 seeks to provide an excellent opportunity for networking, high-end industry solutions, latest development in industry practices and operations, technological and technical recommendations to solve industry challenges and knowledge sharing with experts and both local and international consultants.

The conference features industry leaders and experts in a packed program of keynote presentations and panels discussing policies, operations, investment strategies, diversity & inclusion, global exploration and commodity trends and industry sustainability.

This year’s edition features over 50 mining petroleum, and investment organizations and leaders who will be sharing great insights and knowledge on current trends in the resources industry and investment opportunities.

A statement issued last year to announce the conference indicated that this annual event creates opportunities for attendees to discuss the latest trends, research and insights into sustainability, strategies to develop diversified economies, stimulate investment, and benchmark operational excellence by shaping the future of West Africa’s mining industry.

WAIC 2023 similarly provides a platform for leading mining suppliers to showcase their solutions to West African mining and petroleum professionals and opportunity for business networking, hands-on experience and knowledge transfer about exhibitors’ products and services.