The summit brought together industry leaders, technical experts, Chinese and Ghanaian enterprises to explore technological innovations, including data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modernising mine processing and meet 21st-century standards.

The stakeholders committed to green development, advocating public-private partnerships, and upholding international standards through enhanced transparency and responsibility measures.
In a presentation, Huawei Technologies introduced the participants to various smart technologies that could help address the challenges faced by traditional models of mining operations and boost safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

It includes Huawei’s Smart Microgrid Solution; designed to provide a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy management system and Smart PV Plant Management System, meant for real-time monitoring, fault detection and maintenance, while reducing operational costs.

It was on the theme: “Safe Mines, Intelligent Mines, Green Mines,” reflecting the need for enhanced utilisation of modern technologies to complement traditional methods for safer resource extraction, intelligent operations, and greener development.

Addressing the summit, Mr Tang Zhejiang, President of the Association of China-Ghana Mining, stated that mining provided a “solid foundation of economic development and guarantee for progress and human society.”

Challenges such as environmental degradation, illegal mining (galamsey), and conflicts over land use, which had become pronounced recently, called for an urgent need to transition toward green, intelligent, and safe mining practices, Mr Tang said.

“Green mining practices does not only minimise environmental footprints and transform reclaimed lands into agriculture hubs, but help to enhance biodiversity and contribute to carbon sequestration, while addressing the broader issue of climate change,” he said.

Mr Cao Hongyu, the General Manager of Huawei Ghana, reinforced the technology imperative, stating that innovations would accelerate transformation in the mining industry towards safety, intelligence and sustainability.

He called for collaborative approaches among industry stakeholders to effectively address the sector’s evolving challenges.

“The use of data analytics and technologies, including AI, can drive reductions in cost, efficiency improvements, and safety in mine production,” he explained.

“By integrating advanced ICTs - such as 5G, AI, and cloud computing into mining scenarios, Huawei provides a solid digital foundation and end-to-end solutions that help achieve these goals,” Mr Cao said.

Regarding security in Ghana’s mining sector, he encouraged companies to emphasise protecting both physical assets and human resource alongside cybersecurity measures to improve financial returns and societal development.

Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chamber of Mines, presented a paper on Ghana’s mining future, calling for the development of a resilient and respected industry through green mining.

This includes the adoption of frameworks by mining companies to encompass minimising environmental footprints, transforming reclaimed mining lands into agricultural hubs, and harnessing solar energy to reduce both emissions and operational costs.

He explained that integration of smart technologies was essential to optimising energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, urging all sector players to make “green, intelligent and safe” mining as the primary engine for Ghana’s green transition.

He said it was important for all stakeholders to support the shaping of Ghana’s mining sector future, advocating initiatives that “leaves more than holes in the ground but build futures above ground.”

Dr Ashigbey encouraged the government to review the sector’s policy, with focus on creating flexibility for resilience and market stabilisation through data-driven decision-making.

During deliberations, stakeholders urged the government to help create an enabling environment for technological investments in Ghana’s mining sector.

They also discussed balancing smart technologies with human resource utilisation to ensure job security, while maximizing profits for the companies and their host nations.