By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa, Aug. 04, GNA – The AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine Smart Systems Centre established at the University of Mines and Technology, UMaT, Tarkwa in the Western Region, has started delivering positive results.
During its pilot phase, some students at the University designed and built two functional drones using locally fabricated materials, while another student team also developed a prototype sanitary pad vending machine, which would soon be presented to the Mine.
Mr Daniel Boadi, the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, said this during the commissioning of the facility, saying, “This is proof of what happens when bright young minds are given the right tools, mentorship, and environment.”
He said the facility, worth $760,000, was part of the Mine’s broader commitment to human capital development, and last year alone, it invested GH¢17.2 million into education and youth development.
“This investment is about developing home-grown Ghanaian talents. We want local experts who can design smart mining solutions in the country to help reduce reliance on external technology, so Ghana secures its place as a regional leader in mining innovation,” Mr Boadi added.
He extended appreciation to Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of UMaT, the University Council, faculty, and management of UMaT for their vision and partnership.
He charged students to take ownership of the Centre, question assumptions, test bold ideas, and engineer solutions that solved real-world problems.
“Let this room be the birthplace of innovations that serve not just Ghana’s Mines but our broader society,” he said.
Giving further insight about the Centre, Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, Pro Vice Chancellor of UMaT, said it had five sub-centres: Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Advanced Data Systems, Digital Equipment Fabrication, Environmental Monitoring and Smart Farming, and Power Generation and Sustainable Energy.
She said the Centre delivered five transformative impacts: safer, smarter mining operations; local talent trained in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and data science; improved Mine safety and environmental monitoring; start-ups and new jobs in mining technology; and sustainable mining aligned with global standards.
“The impact is already visible. UMaT has already trained over 600 coders and innovators, and we will continue to do this to align with the government’s objective,” Prof. Akuffo stated.
She commended AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine for believing in UMaT and Ghanaian talents, and for investing heavily in the Smart Systems Centre.
Prof. Akuffo also lauded Dr Emmanuel Effah and his team, and all those who supported the assembling and installation of the equipment, saying they had saved thousands in international costs and proved that Ghanaian expertise can deliver world-class systems.
Mr Ebenezer Cobbinah, the Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, encouraged students in the municipality and the Western Region to utilise the facility to advance their digital skills and contribute to sustainable development.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga / Christabel Addo
Reporter Erica Apeatua Addo
Email: [email protected]