The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Amira Global, an independent global mining research organization, have formed a partnership to promote sustainable mining practices.

The agreement between the two institutions seeks to maximize the benefits of mining and enhance research for efficient and sustainable operations.

This collaboration sets the stage for establishing a Virtual Pan-African Decarbonization Institute and the Amira African Centre of Excellence (AACoE) at the KNUST campus, aimed at fostering innovation in the sector.

Outdated technological knowledge in the mining industry has revealed a disconnect between academic research and the practical needs of the sector. These challenges impact Ghana's mining industry, including its environmental management, human capital development, and overall gains.

As part of the partnership, Amira Global and KNUST have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies to improve the mining industry's efficiency and sustainability.

Under the agreement, KNUST will spearhead energy research and provide training in mining-related engineering and geosciences to advance knowledge and promote sustainability in the mining sector.

The partnership will also establish a mining technology hub, the Amira African Centre of Excellence (AACoE), at the KNUST campus.

Anthony Anyimadu, Vice President of Mineral Processing at Amira Global and Head of Amira Africa, emphasized that the mining technology hub will provide hands-on research opportunities to drive innovation and sustainability in mining.

“The MOA increases KNUST’s visibility as a key partner in establishing P-ADI in collaboration with institutions in countries like Morocco, Zambia, DRC, and South Africa and focusing on energy issues to decarbonise mining operations.

“The increased visibility from the partnership to establish AACoE would focus on minerals development from ore to metal, including flowsheet design. KNUST will also participate in the skills training for professionals in the mining industry and share of research grants from proposals submitted and funded by the mining industry,” he said

The agreement favors international cooperation and participation in the creation of a virtual Pan-African Decarbonisation Institute (P-ADI) to develop human capital aimed at decarbonization within the mining sector.

The KNUST and partnering universities will collaborate in other Amira Global programmes including mineral processing and exploration initiatives.

Emeritus Professor Francis W.Y Momade who led the KNUST entourage says the initiative has the possibility to allow Ghanaian miners own processing plants.

“The fact that this intervention will also pave way for locals to own and manage processing plants is what stood out for me. I believe it’s a brilliant addition that Ghanaian miners have been waiting for,” he said.

KNUST will engage in professional skills training, gain representation on the governing councils of both institutes, and secure a share of research grants from industry-funded proposals.

Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson assures of the university’s commitment to deliver on the mandate of sustainable mining practices through its involvement in P-ADI and AACoE.

“I am firmly convinced that both teams, from KNUST and Amira are up to the task. And I have no shred of doubt that they will deliver. With the expertise assured to be on board, I believe my people here at KNUST will further build capacity that will positively overhaul the mining sector,” she said.

Obligations

Amira has varioius obligations in terms of project concept development, publicity among memberships and interested parties, project management and operationalisation of the Centres.

KNUST will provide land for the establishment of the physical structure for the AACoE (Geoscience Site) and personnel to participate in the Amira Research programmes.

Participation

West Africa Research Consortium (WARC) will be established with membership of collaborating institutions that will serve as the point of engagement by the Institute and Centre.

The Institute and Centre shall work with international collaborating institutions.

Governing Council (P-ADI)

(i)         P-ADI will have a membership of representatives of participating Pan-African institutions, Amira representatives, African Union and Sponsoring Company Representative.

(ii)        KNUST will have 2 Representatives in the P-ADI Council

(iii)       The Council develops strategy, oversees the work of Committees, formulate rules and regulations for sound financial management.

About Amira Global:

Amira is a non for profit organisation of over 80 mining producing, equipment, and technology equipment supply companies that focus on improving efficiency, productivity and sustainable mining operations directed by a board of governors with representatives across the globe of the mining industry (mining companies, service companies and researchers) and funded by members.