Latest news with #MineralsCommission
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mining in Motion Outlines Strategies for Formalizing Ghana's Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Sector
Industry leaders at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit spotlighted Ghana's ongoing efforts to formalize its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. Participants on an India Gold Metaverse-sponsored session – titled Case Studies in ASGM Formalization: Learning from Successes and Addressing Challenges – emphasized that formalization has the potential to catalyze sustainability, build stronger communities and drive long-term economic growth. 'We need regulatory and legislative changes that support small-scale miners and ensure that revenue from their contributions translates into real economic, social and communal growth,' stated Martin Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana. Ayisi called for bold regulatory and financial interventions in the sector, stressing the urgent need for investment in geological investigations and sustainable technologies to prevent encroachment on protected areas and improve sector-wide outcomes. From an regional perspective, Cisse Vakaba, Advisor to the President on Mining, Ivory Coast, emphasized the foundational role of geology in building a viable ASGM sector. He stressed that state support must go beyond issuing permits to include geological surveys, professional training, community engagement and digital tools for traceability. 'I really think that the basis for small mines is the geological aspect. This is the aspect where we have to work, to see the areas where they can exploit,' Vakaba stated, adding, 'The State must provide support. It's not enough to issue a title, a permit. We need to support prospecting and geological research.' Meanwhile, Melissa Correa Vélez, Program Manager, Swiss Better Gold, highlighted the human-centered approach necessary to make formalization efforts successful. Velez – through Swiss Better Gold's Boots on the Ground initiative – advocates for programs, including technical support and community-oriented training, that extend beyond legal structures to genuinely improve livelihoods and environmental stewardship. 'If you want to work with artisanal miners, work with them. Keep the miners interested in being responsible. If the miners lose interest because of the challenges, they will become illegal,' Velez stated. For his part, Kwaku Afrifa Nsiah-Asare, Lawyer and Entrepreneur, Typhoon Greenfield Development, emphasized that government support will be a requisite for ASGM formalization in Ghana, speaking candidly on social and financial challenges in the sector. 'By doing everything properly, the Minerals Commission of Ghana has been extremely supportive and made it worthwhile for us to do business. It's about partnerships and leadership in government,' Nsiah-Asare stated. Bringing a tech-forward perspective, Lamon Rutten, Managing Director and CEO of India Gold Metaverse, spoke to the transformative potential of digital innovation in the ASGM value chain. 'Blockchain technologies and AI can help improve artisanal and small-scale mining operations. Tools like geo-tracking, radio-frequency identification-equipped machinery and internet-of-things devices allow us to trace ore sources. If you really want to develop small-scale mining, work with local banks. Let them understand the sector and they will help drive sustainable growth,' Rutten said. During the presentation, the panelists agreed that projects including the Ghana Land Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project – a joint initiative with the World Bank – are setting a precedent. By offering financial and technical support, simplifying license through District Mining Committees, and organizing miners into Community Mining Schemes, Ghana is building an ASGM sector that is increasingly legal, sustainable and community driven. Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana's Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana's Minerals Commission Showcases Drone Technology at Mining in Motion 2025
The Minerals Commission of Ghana – the body responsible for the regulation and management of the country's mineral resources – is utilizing drone technology to address illegal mining. This innovative solution not only enables the government to combat illegal processes, but supports mining operations through geological tracking and oversight. At the Mining in Motion 2025 summit – taking place this week in Accra - Dr. Sylvester Akpah, Lead Consultant at the Minerals Commission, showcased how the drones provide real-time aerial surveillance of mining concessions and mineral-rich areas, enabling authorities to detect and respond to illegal operations. 'There is a need for us to support the government's agenda to ensure mining is done legally and sustainably, through the aerial imagery we obtain from drones,' Akpah said. He explained that artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into the system to analyze drone footage and pinpoint the exact coordinates of suspected illegal mining activities. 'With AI, we can determine whether a site is legal or illegal. Once that's confirmed, security agencies can be deployed to take appropriate action,' he said. Beyond identifying unauthorized mining, the technology also allows for tracking of excavators, providing insights into ownership, operational legality and the movement of mined minerals. This enhances regulatory oversight and transparency in the mineral value chain. Data collected by the drones is integrated into the Minerals Commission of Ghana's internal systems, where it is analyzed by trained local data analysts. According to Akpah, the data acquisition and processing contributes to local skills development and supports Ghana's broader digitalization efforts in the mining sector. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Formalizing Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) for Growth: Mining in Motion to Unpack Ghana's Success, Ongoing Efforts
The upcoming Mining in Motion Summit – Ghana's premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for June 2 - 4, 2025 in Accra – will feature a high-level panel discussion on the country's ongoing efforts to formalize its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. Titled Case Studies in ASGM Formalization: Learning from Successes and Addressing Challenges, the panel will explore regulation and programs enhancing the ASGM sector's contribution to mining sector growth in Ghana. The panel will feature representatives from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the World Bank and key ASGM industry players. ASGM plays a vital role in Ghana's mining sector, contributing over $5 billion in gold export revenue in 2024, employing more than one million people and accounting for over 40% of national gold production. Through the recently established Ghana Gold Board, the country aims to curb gold smuggling - estimated to cost the country $2.3 billion annually - by providing a legal platform for small-scale miners to sell gold and access financing to expand their operations. Furthermore, the Ghana Land Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project - launched in partnership with the World Bank - offers financial and technical assistance to ASGM operators, helping them improve sustainable land use while providing legal integration into the broader mining economy. The Minerals Commission of Ghana and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources are driving the country's agenda to formalize the ASGM sector by simplifying licensing processes via District Mining Committees. In addition, Community Mining Schemes continue to play a critical role in combating illegal mining by organizing miners into formalized, community-based cooperatives, boosting their access to finance, technology and training. Mining in Motion will not only showcase Ghana's progress but also provide a platform for ASGM stakeholders to gain valuable insights into overcoming sector challenges and scaling their operations legally and sustainably. The summit, hosted by the Ashanti Green Initiative under the leadership of Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of the Ashanti Kingdom, is organized in collaboration with the World Bank and the World Gold Council. Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium- to large-scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
