Prof. William K. Buah (left) of the University of Mines & Technology, explaining some the process of creating activated carbons to the Minister and the leadership of the Chamber.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has launched the Local Content Day and an online portal to provide information to industry players on the opportunities available to local businesses and to bring more visibility into the value chain of the mining industry.
The portal will provide in-depth information on mining inputs for local manufacturers and suppliers to the mining industry.
Speaking at the launch of the local content day and the online portal the President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, said the portal would support potential investors and local entrepreneurs who can provide these inputs with up-to-date and specific information to prop up the implementation of the local content policy for mining industry.
Mr. Addo-Kufuor said the Chamber believed that offering support to local manufacturers and supply of goods and services would help quicken the pace of industrialization, economic growth and job creation.
“Members of the Ghana Chamber of Mines have established a proven (but not well advertised) track-record in supporting indigenous businesses to participate in critical areas of our value chain. We are proud to have been part of the success stories of households names such as Carmeuse Lime Products Ghana, Wafor a leading producer of steel balls for the industry, Zen Petroleum and Interplast to name a few,” he said.
Mr Addo-Kufuor said the Chamber had taken voluntary initiatives to promote in-country expenditure on mining inputs such as fabrication of critical components of plant, machinery and equipment as well as engineering services.
However, he said more needed to be done to enhance the local participation in the value chain of the mining industry, hence the continuous collaboration between Minerals Commission and the Chamber to increase the quantum of goods and services locally.
The Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703) and the Minerals and Mining General Regulations (2012), LI 2173 require, among other things, that mining companies procure inputs from Ghana to the maximum extent possible consistent with various economic and technical parameters.
The collaboration initially identified eight mining inputs; the list has now grown to 19 with proposals for additional items.
Included are items for which Ghana has a natural competitive advantage for production because of the abundance of raw materials examples of these are caustic soda and activated carbon,” he intimated.
Mr John Peter Amewu, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who launched the portal, commended the Ghana Chamber of Mines for the initiative.
He said plans were far advanced for the engagement of a local content desk officer at the Ministry to drive the supply programme development.
He said cabinet had given approval for the set-up of a supply centre development in Ghana which will work with the Chamber to advance the cause of local content.
The portal can be reached at www.ghanachamberofmines.org.