At the recent 10th WaCA Mining Summit & Expo in Ghana, Mr. Kwaku Asoma-Cheremeh, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, emphasized the importance of adopting appropriate technology in the mining sector. He highlighted how innovation can optimize operations, promote sustainable development for host communities, and benefit the country as a whole. While Ghana predominantly relies on surface mining, there is a growing need to transition to underground mining, and embracing technological advancements is crucial for the future of the industry.

Bashir Amed, VP of production and development at Asante Gold, acknowledged that Ghana is still in the early stages of transitioning to underground mining. In comparison to countries like South Africa, Ghana has a long-term future in mining. Amed believes that while underground mining may present new challenges, the technologies required for efficient operations already exist. He emphasized that Ghana holds significant untapped mining opportunities, with many areas yet to be explored.

While a few mines in Ghana, such as Newmont’s Subika mine and AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi mine, have already adopted underground and mechanized operations, the incentive for innovation has primarily been driven by safety concerns in deep-level operations. With approximately 70% of Ghana’s mining operations still using open-pit methods, there has been limited motivation to invest in innovation. However, it is crucial to recognize that innovation brings short-term benefits such as improved safety and potentially higher profit margins. Ghana should not overlook the importance of innovation until surface reserves are depleted. Instead, it should consider the long-term advantages of establishing itself as a hub for mining innovation.

Early-stage adoption of new technologies will facilitate large-scale remodeling of mines in the future, ensuring that infrastructure supports innovative solutions. Looking ahead, the mining industry in Ghana will face the challenge of job losses as multiple mines mechanize and automate simultaneously. A study published in 2019 revealed that mine stakeholders in Ghana had knowledge of automated mining systems (AMS) but expressed unwillingness to adopt them due to fears of increased unemployment. Additionally, outdated technologies are still prevalent in mining courses, with a significant focus on obsolete methods. Ghana needs to address these concerns and embrace technological advancements to remain at the forefront of expertise in the West African mining industry.

Ghana has long been recognized as the region’s hub for knowledge and expertise, with Ghanaian professionals sought after as operators and managers across the continent. Enoch Kusi-Yeboah, general manager of Metso Minerals, acknowledged Ghana’s expertise and conducive environment for investors. While other countries in Africa, such as Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, are rapidly developing their mining industries, they still look to Ghana for guidance in building a sustainable industry. To maintain its reputation as a source of expertise in West Africa, Ghana must continue to integrate innovation across the mining cycle, including mines, refineries, smelters, and exploration ventures.

Asante Gold Corporation, a Ghanaian-owned mining company, sets an example with its green-gold Kubi project. The company plans to implement the Sustainable Mining by Drilling (SMD) technique, an innovative two-stage drilling method that enables direct mining of narrow deposits. Developed in collaboration with Memorial University of Newfoundland, this untested technique has the potential to reduce extraction costs by 50% compared to conventional mining methods. Asante Gold Corporation’s commitment to innovation showcases Ghana’s readiness to embrace new technologies and sustainable practices in mining.

Ghana’s mining sector is at a crucial juncture, with the need to transition to underground mining and embrace technological innovation. By adopting appropriate technologies, Ghana can optimize operations, ensure sustainable development, and strengthen its position as a hub of expertise in West Africa. The mining industry must recognize the long-term benefits of innovation and address challenges such as job losses and outdated training methodologies. As companies like Asante Gold Corporation lead the way with innovative techniques, Ghana has the potential to pioneer sustainable mining practices and secure a prosperous future for the industry.