The Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM) has inaugurated the Faculty of Mining and Mineral Technology block at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) Tarkwa, in the Western Region.
The facility, sponsored under the GCM- Tertiary Education Fund (TEF) at a cost of $1,112,899.77 will improve teaching and research in mining in the country.
The GCM – TEF was launched in October 2019 to help expand infrastructure for UMaT and also build the needed human resource capital for the mining industry in Ghana.
Annually, over $440,000 is pump into the fund collectively by producing, contract mining and explosive member companies of the Chamber for five years. And for the first five years (2019 – 2024) the Fund, is earmarked for UMaT.
Joshua Mortoti, President of GCM at the handing over of the facility said the Chamber has a mission to use the resources and capabilities of its members to deliver services that address their needs and that of government, communities as well as enhance development.
He indicated that GCM, has always shown leadership in almost every aspect of economic development, for instance in the promotion of research and skills development through the TEF.
He noted that over the years, the mining industry has evolved with a lot of Ghanaians in key management positions. “It is our collective responsibility to continue to nurture young talent and provide them with the needed resources for them to develop”.
George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, commended GCM for their continuous support.
“It is refreshing that the Chamber and its allied members are taking significant steps on the Corporate Social Responsibility front. We acknowledge and appreciate your significant contributions in these initiatives including education, health, infrastructure, water and sanitation as well as sports” he said
He expressed hope that such practice would continue to provide the necessary foundation for sustainable development within the host communities.
He spoke on mining and said “we need to deepen the dialogue which would assist in pushing the responsible mining agenda in a more coordinated and sustainable manner.”
Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister applauded the Chamber for their corporate social responsibilities and interventions, making UMaT the center of it all.
He urged all the students to put into practice the right mining procedures that UMaT is impacting into them when the find themselves in the industry front.
“Let me assure you that the University will continue to receive special attention from the government with regards to infrastructural projects, to enable the university to continue to admit more students as a result of Free Senior High School Educational Policy” he said.
According to Prof. Richard K. Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT, the supports from GCM-TEF as one of the most significant programmes since the university was established.
He proposed that the next tranche of GCM-TEF for the next five years should still be given to UMaT. These funds would be used in developing a center for mining and minerals certification.
He added that Faculty of Mining and Mineral Technology block will house the materials testing laboratory, mining laboratories and simulators that can be used to create virtual realities for most mining and processing operations and support training of the next generation of engineers. The facility, will be maintained at all times.
