By Stephen Asante, GNA
Accra, June 8, GNA – The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has commended the Association of China-Ghana Mining LBG (ACGM) for aligning its initiatives with the country’s sustainable mining agenda.
Dr Jamel Seidu, Head of the Geological and Environmental Engineering Department, said that synergy was imperative to engender responsible mining practices.
The investments in green mining, renewable energy, human resource, and community infrastructure were vital for the extractive sector, he noted.
Dr Seidu was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMaT and ACGM, in Accra, over the weekend.
The MoU serves as a broad framework of collaboration to ensure the promotion of scholarship towards the training and human resource development of both parties.
Present at the programme were the leadership and some officials of the Association, including Mr Jinquan Wang, Chairman of the Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd (a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Group), and Mr Vincent Sun, the Vice President.
Representatives of the Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, Golden Star (Wassa) Ltd (a subsidiary of Chifeng Gold Group), and other established companies witnessed the scholarship event.
Messrs Joseph Frimpong, and Ben Birch Mensah, represented the Minerals Commission of Ghana (MINCOM).
The programme coincided with a stakeholders’ meeting, serving as a platform for members of the ACGM to showcase their corporate mission, development programmes and projects in line with global best practices.
The Association unites major Chinese mining companies and mining services companies in Ghana to promote responsible mining, enhance industry cooperation, and support investment.
Its mission is to foster sustainability, technological exchange, and regulatory guidance, while strengthening Sino-Ghanaian collaboration in the extractive sector.
Highlighting the critical role of human resource development in the mining industry, Dr Seidu said that aspect could not be neglected given the changing manpower requirements.
The MoU, therefore, provided for the designing of short courses and practical training programmes, spelling out plans to undertake joint collaborative research for the mutual benefits of both parties, he added.
The agreement will be in force for an initial period of four years.
On performance, he highlighted how the ACGM members, such as Shandong Gold, Chifeng Gold, and Zijin Mining had been operating with strong community engagement to support long-term local development.
Some of Shandong Gold’s Cardinal Namdini projects in the northern region encompass developing a 100-megawatt solar power plant.
The facility is expected to reduce carbon emissions, support agro-ecological activities, boost local procurement and youth empowerment.
The Association envisions to drive joint projects, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and promote sustainable mining practices to ensure a balance between economic growth, ecological protection, and social equity for mutual prosperity.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Stephen Asante