Ministry supports key mining institutions
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has presented a number of equipment valued at GHȼ1.5 million to key mining sector institutions and some tertiary institutions in Accra.
The machinery, which was procured under the Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NREG) programme, include thin section preparation equipment, laboratory equipment, field equipment to aid conduct seismic surveys and hand operated augur set and accessories.
The equipment were acquired with support from the country’s five development partners, including the World Bank, the Royal Netherlands government, United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) and the European Commission.
It would help build the capacity of the mining sector institutions and staff, through the provision of infrastructure and equipment to these institutions to enhance their performance.
Some of the beneficiary institutions include the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, Geological Survey Department, KNUST -Geological Engineering Department and the University of Ghana- Earth Science Department.
Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources speaking at the handing over of the laboratory equipment to the beneficiary institutions, stated that the government over the years has attached great importance to the development of institutions as well as its human capital.
He said in addition to establishing appropriate institutions manned by skilled personnel to manage the minerals and mining sector, the government intends to provide some critical equipment to ensure that graduates are well equipped with the required teaching aids in contemporary methods of geological mapping, mineral exploration and geochemical analysis.
Alhaji Fuseini also announced that plans were underway to turn the University of Mine and Technology (UMAT) into a centre of excellence to train, among others, geosciences and mining professionals in Ghana, as well as people from the entire African continent.
He said in total, government has spent an amount of GH ȼ8.62 million towards the transformation of the university.
He noted that the transformation of the school have been the result of government’s systematic support with funds from the Minerals Development Fund, for the development of infrastructure in the university.
Alhaji Fuseini said his ministry was constructing a three-storey multi-purpose building at the Earth Science Department of the University of Ghana, which would include lecture halls, laboratories and an auditorium at a cost of GH ȼ2.82 million.
Mr Ben Aryee, Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, said the overall objective of the NREG programme is to strengthen mining sector institutions to enhance the performance of their functions.
He urged the beneficiary institutions to put the equipment to good use to achieve the set objectives and also get abreast with modern technologies in the minerals and mining industry.
Source: GNA