Ghana and China are strengthening collaboration to transform the mining industry through green technology and innovation, with the aim of addressing safety, sustainability, and environmental challenges while boosting economic development.
At a mining summit in Accra over the weekend, stakeholders underscored the sector’s vital role in Ghana’s economy but acknowledged persistent challenges such as environmental degradation, illegal mining, and community conflicts over land use.
They emphasized the need to adopt advanced technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of efforts to modernise operations and align with global sustainability standards.
Participants pledged to act as catalysts for green development by advocating for stronger public-private partnerships and holding industry players accountable through transparency and compliance with international benchmarks.
Mr. Tang Zhejiang, President of the Association of China-Ghana Mining, said the sector provides a “solid foundation of economic development and a guarantee for progress.”
He stressed the urgency of transitioning to environmentally friendly and intelligent mining practices.
“Green mining does not only minimise environmental footprints but also restores reclaimed lands for agriculture, enhances biodiversity, and contributes to carbon sequestration, which addresses the broader issue of climate change,” Mr. Tang said.
Echoing this, Mr. Cao Hongyu, General Manager of Huawei Ghana, said technological innovation would accelerate the industry’s transformation towards “safety, intelligence, and sustainability.”
He called for collaborative approaches that leverage data analytics, AI, and digital tools to improve efficiency, cut costs, and strengthen workplace safety.
On security, Mr. Hongyu urged mining companies to protect both physical assets and human resources, while also adopting robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard financial returns and promote long-term societal development.
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, outlined a vision for a resilient and respected mining industry rooted in sustainability.
He highlighted the need for frameworks that minimise environmental damage, convert reclaimed lands into agricultural hubs, and expand the use of solar energy to reduce emissions and operational expenses.
He stressed that integrating smart technologies was vital for optimising energy use and operational efficiency while meeting environmental responsibilities. “Green, intelligent, and safe mining must become the driving force of Ghana’s green transition,” Dr. Ashigbey said.
Dr. Ashigbey further urged government to review mining policies to ensure greater flexibility and resilience, advocating for data-driven strategies that stabilise markets and strengthen industry sustainability.
He further called for a mining future that “leaves more than holes in the ground but builds futures above the ground.”
