The 9th edition of the Ghana Mining and Industry Awards (GMIA) was held last Friday at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel to celebrate prospects in the mining sector.
The event, organized under the auspices of the Ghana Chamber of Mines was also meant to promote sustainable and responsible mining in Ghana in the year under review.
This year’s awards ceremony was themed, “Celebrating Excellence; Embracing Sustainable Mining Practices.”
President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Joshua Mortoti assured that the Chamber will adopt measures to ensure that mining is done is much more responsible manner.
“The Ghana Chamber of Mines is committed to supporting and promoting sustainable mining practices. We encourage innovation, research, and the implementation of technologies which minimize the environmental impact of mining. We also believe in engaging with local communities to create meaningful partnerships to foster socio-economic development and uplift the lives.”
“Sustainability goes hand in hand with responsible stewardship of our environment, fostering community development, and prioritizing the well-being of our workforce. We acknowledge the interconnectedness of economic success, environmental protection, and social responsibility. It is only through the harmonious balance of these elements that we can truly achieve operational success in our industry”, he said.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Sulemanu Koney said the occasion’s theme should spur industry players to strive for the best.
“The theme challenges us to push the boundaries of what it means to be excellent in our field of endeavour. It also calls on us to integrate innovation, efficiency, environmental stewardship, and people-centered policies into our operations, and ensuring that the benefits of mining trickle down to citizens especially those of our communities not only today but for generations to come.”
Newmont wins big
In all, 25 individuals and organizations were presented with awards on the night across the various categories.
Newmont won the Best Environmental Management category. Its Ahafo Mine finished second in the Corporate Social Investment category, while Newmont Akyem Mine won the same category.
In the Diversity category, Newmont Ahafo Mine came in second, while its Akyem Mine came in top.
Eric Asubonteng, Senior Vice President Africa (Non-operated JVs) AngloGold Ashanti, was also named mining personality of the year in the President’s Award category at this year’s event.
Charllotte Fafa Tay Senyo, Sustainability Projects at Newmont Corporation-Ahafo Mine was named Best Female of the Year (technical and non-technical).
“We will work harder to maintain the title and we will not let our guards down”, said David Johnson Director of Communications and External Relations.
Full list of awardees
1. Best Green Mine – Newmont Golden Ridge Ltd- Akyem Mine
2. Best Performer in Contract Mining- Engineers & Planners Company Ltd
3. Corporate Social Investment Project of the Year – Newmont Golden Ridge Limited Akyem
4. Best Mining Company in Diversity and Inclusion – AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd
5. Best Performer in Environmental Management – Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd, Ahafo
6. Best Female Miner of the Year (Non-Technical) – Charlotte Fafa Tay Senyo
7. Best Female Miner of the Year (Technical) – Ing. Ellen Serwaa Kontoh
8. Best Performer in Innovation – Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd- Ahafo Mine
9. Lifetime Achievement – Mrs. Mona Quartey
10. Best Performer in Local Manufacturing of Mine Inputs – Interplast Ghana Ltd.
11. Best Performer in Mine Supplies and Support Services – Interplast Ghana Limited
12. Mining Personality of the Year – Eric Asubonteng
13. Best Performer in Occupational Health and Safety – Golden Star Wassa Limited
14. Best Mining Reporter (Online)- Timothy Ngnenbe
15. Best Mining Reporter (Broadcast) – Erastus Asare Donkor
16. Best Student in Inter-Mines Essay Contest – Adrah Adwoa Honest
17. Best Level 200 Student (Male) – Kwame Atta Frimpong
18. Best Level 200 Student (Female)- Solicity Amankwa-Taylor
19. Best Posgtraduate Student in Reasearch- Mustapha Seidu
20. Best Performer in Local Content- Abosso Goldfields Ltd
21. Financial Deal of the Year – Golden Star Wassa Limited
22. Best Performer in Exploration (Senior Category)- Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd
23. Best Performer in Exploration (Junor Category)- Atlantic Lithium Ltd
24. Mining Company of the Year – Newmont Golden Ridge Ltd
25. Honorary Awards – Frank Wilson Kofi Anai, Major Eric Amuzu Rtd.,Yiadom Boakye Amponsah, Nii Aklekwei III (Ben Addo), Dr. Stephen Kofi Ndede