The Ghana Chamber of Mines has held its 94 Annual General Meeting (AGM), following a successful two-day West African Mining & Power Conference and three-day exhibition in Accra.

The AGM witnessed the change of presidential baton from Eric Asubonteng, Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi to Joshua Mortoti, Executive Vice President and Head of West Africa for Gold Fields.

In his handing over speech, Immediate Past President, Eric Asubonteng, said the Chamber’s strategic posture over the last few years has been one that truly positions it as a partner to government in it common vision of ensuring the sustainable growth of a mining industry that benefits all stakeholders.

Mr. Asubonteng added that the collaborative approach to working with the government, as a key stakeholder, has allowed the Chamber to make some progress.

Presenting the presidential address after assuming office, Mr. Mortoti reiterated the Chamber’s desire to position Ghana as the mining support services hub in West Africa, but stressed that it would “require a collective effort from industry leaders and policymakers embracing new technologies and the opportunities they bring”.

Mr. Mortoti further stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and big data analytics are key elements for mining firms that aspire to be at the leading edge and be competitive through improving productivity and working conditions for employees.

“As part of sustainable and responsible mining, renewable energy systems would help reduce environmental impact while big data analytics can help improve a firm’s performance with regards to planning, yields and unscheduled equipment downtimes”, he added.

According to the Chamber President, the mining sector can contribute much more to Ghana if political actors and industry leaders work together towards a common goal.

“A goal that will make Ghana the leader in mining in Africa and the mining support service hub in West Africa. Hosting the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Ghana is a great opportunity to anchor the attraction of investors into the mining sector as well as its value chain. The Chamber is willing and ready to support and collaborate with government to achieve the objectives of AfCFTA” he said.

Mr. Mortoti urged members of the Chamber to operate at a steady level and thereby address the challenges that confronted their operations in 2021 adding that “in that regard, we project an increase in gold output of producing member companies between 2.9 million ounces and 3 million and a corresponding increase in revenue and other benefits to government and other stakeholders.”