The West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (WAIMM) recently held its fifth annual industry conference, the WAIMM Annual Industry Conference (WAIC), with the theme: ‘Building a Resilient and Sustainable Natural Resources Industry Beyond a Global Pandemic’.
The conference brought together over 500 delegates and visitors from the industry and investment community to discuss and provide solutions on how West African countries can develop the potential of their resources into investments and industrialisation to drive economic growth in the sub-region.
Speaking at the 2023 WAIC, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (Mining), George Mireku Duker, acknowledged the extractive sector’s vulnerability to swings in the global economy due to its capital-intensive nature and deep connections to global supply chains.
He emphasised the importance of promoting sustainable practices in the mining industry to build resilience and withstand future pandemics. “I am also glad to learn that the event is dedicated not only to knowledge-sharing and the dissemination of innovations, but also to developing existing business interests in the country and promoting new opportunities in the value chain,” Duker stated.
To build resilience and withstand the next pandemic, the deputy minister mentioned that government is promoting more sustainable practices in the mining industry. “That is why I think the theme for this year’s event is not only appropriate but also seeks to provide a platform for discussing appropriate and innovative ways of addressing global and national challenges confronting sustainable development through mining,” he said.
The event featured plenary sessions, breakout conferences and workshops, a trade exhibition, and over 30 presentations on best practices and emerging developments.
The WAIC event provided the platform for industry professionals and communities to gain in-depth knowledge about the latest trends in technology and research, share ideas and knowledge on the diverse fields in the industry, and provide the platform for all stakeholders to think through challenges and stay relevant in the resources industry.
Highlights of the WAIC 2023 conference include two days of technical presentations and programmes, keynote presentations, eight conference sessions, a trade show featuring mining and petroleum companies and service providers, two networking events, and the WiMPeT2022 industry specialist empowerment conference event.
The headline sponsor for the conference was Atlantic Lithium Ltd. and proudly supported by Knight Piesold Consulting Ghana. It brought together oil and gas, petrochemical companies, government agencies, NGOs, universities and research institutions, mineral exploration, investment, finance and banking institutions, mining and metals companies, supply chain, industry consultants, and equipment and service providers in the mining and petroleum industries.
The WAIC conference remains a valuable opportunity for professionals in the mining and oil and gas industry to stay up to date on the latest trends, network with colleagues, and learn about new investment opportunities.
