By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Tarkwa
The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rabotec Group (a mining service provider) to develop a mine for study and practical purposes. Under the agreement, Rabotec will provide expertise, skill-sets and equipment to ensure its success.
The Minerals Commission, upon request about three years ago, has already given UMaT a small-scale mining plot which is about 50 acres
For the past two years, the university has been exploring on the land with support from the Minerals Commission. “We should be able to mine and get some gold; but as an institution that works with student’s fees, it is tough to start a mine with this kind of inflows,” he explained.
“I am glad Rabotec has come in to support us, they have shown strong faith that they are ready to engage our university in moving to the next level of development,” he said.
He pointed out that the student population has increased, making it difficult for them to secure industrial attachment at some of the mining companies.
The Vice Chancellor is optimistic that with this partnership students at UMaT will get an opportunity to have their practical attachment without any challenges.
Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer-Rabotec Group, expressed joy with the partnership, saying: “The collaboration with UMaT is a significant part of our plans for skill and business development”.
He pointed out that the partnership will attract students from within Africa and beyond, setting new standards for mining education and industrial practices.
Daniel Quaye, Operations Executive-Rabotec, mentioned that what’s required of a mine is the human capital.
“We are happy UMaT can provide us with about 90 percent to support this partnership. “We have shared documents and drawn the road maps, so two months from now we should have gotten into the mine development processes,” he added.
Rabotec Group also presented the university with a Nissan pick-up to support its operations.
