The minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor on Thursday, 1st September 2022, at the ongoing African Down Under Conference, in Perth, Australia, made a passionate call to the investor community at our “Ghana Unlocked” event, organized to put the spotlight on investment opportunities in Ghana.
He implored the investor community to partner with Government to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa.
On Friday, 2nd September 2022, the minister began the day with a meeting with the Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Energy, Corrective Service and Industrial Relations for Western Australia, Hon Bill Jonhston, MLA, at his office.
Both agreed, at the meeting, to work together and share best practices for the development of our mining industry, particularly as it pertains to green minerals.
Later, the minister met officials of Azumah Resources Limited, operators of the Wa Gold Project in the Upper West Region.
They informed me of their interest in investing in other projects in the country. I assured them of Government’s commitment to work with them for the proper and efficient exploitation and utilisation of our natural resources.
Samuel Abu Jinapor also met with officials of Cardinal Resources Limited, operators of the Namdini Gold Project in the Upper East Region.
He was pleased to learn that after the successful relocation of the communities to be affected by the project, the company is ready to start construction soon and pour its first gold by December 2024.
The officials thanked Government and the Ministry for our support, and as ministers pledged our resolve to continue to work with them for the success of the Project and for the good people of Ghana.
The minister, also, had a fruitful meeting with Castle Minerals Limited, an Australian-based company exploring for graphite in Ghana. Our conversion centred on how to develop this mineral and it’s value chain in the country.
Later in the day, Hon. Abu Jinapor met with officials of Digital Earth Africa, an Australian government-funded initiative using data from the Earth’s observations to address challenges in Africa.
As a member of the Board of the initiative, he was pleased to learn that the initiative is turning its focus on mining, in addition to the impacts already being made on food and water security, as well as population census.
Again, he met with officials of Atlantic Lithium, an Australian-based company engaged in prospecting for lithium in the Central Region. It was refreshing to learn that our lithium deposits are viable for large-scale exploitation.
As one of the key minerals for the green transition, the Government is committed to the sustainable exploitation and development of this mineral through value addition, to support the global energy transition, and contribute to halting climate change.
Finally, the minister met officials of Cassius Mining Limited, the Australian company at the centre of recent media reports about alleged trespass on their concession. We had a fruitful and productive meeting, and we have agreed to engage further on all matters in controversy, with the aim of finding an amicable solution to the impasse.
“Our commitment to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa requires that we continuously engage industry players and other resource-rich countries to build the right and strategic partnerships. Fortunately, we have a conducive environment for business, anchored on democratic accountability, rule of law, and respect for individual liberties” he stressed.
He added, “The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will continue to work towards President Akufo-Addo’s vision of making Ghana the mining hub of Africa”.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
