Chamber Of Mines Advocates Local Content
Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has added his voice to numerous calls on mining companies operating in the country to improve their local procurement system.
He said about 70 per cent of mining expenditure goes into the supply chain area, hence the need to support the growth of local businesses to provide some basic materials to mining companies.
'We need to develop a national vision on local content in the mining industry, if we want to develop the full benefits from mining,' he emphasised.
Mr. Aubynn was speaking at the media launch of 10 th West Africa Mining and Power Conference and Exhibition (WAMPEX) and the 9 th West African Mining and Power Conference (WAMPOC), to be held at the International Conference Centre from 6 th - 8 th June 2012.
The CEO further indicated that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and the Minerals Commission to boost local content in the mining industry will be feasible.
He said the MOU will further support the growth of local businesses working in the mining industry.
Nana Darkwa, Director, Events and Projects International (EPI) organizers of WAMPOC/WAMPEX, said it will bring together captains of the energy and mining industries, international investors and corporate executives as well as Ministers of Mines & Energy in Africa.
He added that 'we also expect the presence and participation of Parliamentarians, Community and Traditional leaders, Civil Society Organisations and Academia as we deliberate on activities which impact on the energy and mining industries in the West African sub-region.'
He stated that the event will also expose both local and international entrepreneurs to the rudiments of the industry.
He announced that about 56 local and foreign companies have so far registered and called for intensified collaboration with other interested companies.
In his endorsement statement, Benjamin Aryee, CEO of Minerals Commission said 'in view of the attractive investment climate, along with the favourable precious metal prices on the international market, Ghana has made giant strides in attracting major players into the mining industry over the past decade.'
This, he said, led to the production of an unprecedented 3.3 million ounces of gold in 2010.
He noted that the role of WAMPOC/WAMPEX in this success cannot be over emphasized, noting that 'for investors who are interested in mining, the WAMPOC/WAMPEX 2012 forum provided a platform to access such opportunities and also get to meet representatives of government agencies responsible for managing mining in West Africa.'
The conference is under the theme, 'Deepening partnerships for the sustainable development of Africa's mineral and energy resources.'
By Esther Awuah
Date Updated: Monday | January 20, 2012 - www.modernghana.com
