George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said the government is determined to build a resilient and strong mining sector to withstand the next global crisis.
Delivering the keynote speech at the opening day of the West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (WAIMM) Annual Industry Conference on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Hon Mireku Duker lamented that the mining industry is not immune to twin influences. the COVID-19 crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war.
He said that the industry was hit hard, but the government as part of economic reforms introduced new policies that led to the creation of an economy that would be able to repel the shocks of the next global crisis.
According to the Deputy Minister, the mining industry has taken the lead in the reform drive by promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Hon. Mireku Duker said that the theme of the two-day conference is “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Natural Resource Industry Beyond the Global Pandemic” in line with the new direction the government is taking in the extractive sector.
He advanced that the conference provides a platform to exchange ideas on how to deal with the problems affecting the sector due to the crisis.
“The conference also seeks to provide a platform to discuss appropriate and innovative ways to address global and national challenges facing national development through mining”, he said.
“I am also happy to know that the event is dedicated to not only sharing knowledge and spreading innovation but also to develop business interests in the country and promote new opportunities in the value chain of the oil and gas and mining sectors”, he added.
Hon. Mireku Duker said the mining sector has for centuries been the bedrock of Ghana’s socio-economic development and every policy initiative launched is geared towards cleaning up the industry to increase its productive capacity.
He noted for example that in 2021, gold will account for 16.48% of government revenue and 35.6% of total merchandise exports. He added that the country generated export revenue of $5.083 billion from gold exports of 2.820 million ounces.
Hon. Mireku Duker explained that the government is working to diversify the mining sector by establishing bauxite and iron refinery centers in the country.
The 5th annual WAIMM Industry Conference WAIC2022 seeks to provide excellent opportunities for networking, high-end industrial solutions, the latest developments in industrial practices and operations, technological and technical recommendations to overcome industrial challenges and share knowledge with local and international experts and consultants.
The conference features industry leaders and experts in a program of keynote presentations and panels discussing policy, operations, investment strategy, diversity & inclusion, global exploration and commodity trends and industry sustainability.
Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana
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