Dr Catherine Kuupol Kuutor of Gold Fields Ghana Ltd has made history as the first woman to be named Mining Personality of the Year at the 11th Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA). The accolade was announced at the awards ceremony held in Accra on Friday, December 5, which celebrated excellence under the theme “Celebrating Excellence in Mining: Creating Value Beyond Minerals.”

Commenting on her win, Dr Kuupol Kuutor said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects not just my efforts but also the collective progress women are making in Ghana’s mining sector.” She leads the Tarkwa Mine as Manager, a position she assumed in May 2024, becoming the first woman to head a major gold mine in Ghana.

The GMIA, organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, recognises achievements across safety, innovation, technology, gender inclusion, community development, and responsible mining. Dr. Kuupol Kuutor’s leadership has been widely praised for breaking barriers and driving transformative initiatives that improved gold recovery at both the Tarkwa and Damang mines.

Her career spans over two decades in the mining industry, beginning at Golden Star’s Wassa Mine in 2004. She has steadily risen through the ranks, from metallurgical roles to her current managerial position, earning multiple accolades along the way, including Female Mining Professional of the Year in 2020 and the Most Outstanding Leader award from Mining Review Africa in February 2025.

A strong advocate for women in mining, Dr. Kuupol Kuutor sponsors academic prizes for outstanding students at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and actively participates in professional bodies such as Women in Mining Ghana and the Ghana Institution of Engineers.

Holding a PhD in Minerals Engineering from UMaT, she has contributed significantly to research on mining efficiency and cost reduction. Her recognition at the 2025 GMIA not only highlights her individual achievements but also underscores the growing influence of women shaping Ghana’s mining industry.