YEMAYA Science Project Consortium Explores Partnership with GoldBod to Advance Sustainable Small-Scale Mining

Representatives of the YEMAYA Science Project consortium, comprising TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany, the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), and the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, have engaged the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to explore areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening responsible and sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Ghana.

The engagement formed part of a visit facilitated by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana (AHK Ghana) under the Market Entry Programme, with discussions centred on technical cooperation, skills development and environmental sustainability within Ghana’s ASM sector.

Speaking for TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Prof. Ing. Martin Kresner and Dr. Ing. Martin Kofi Mensah outlined areas where the consortium’s technical expertise, research experience and technologies could support Ghana’s ASM formalisation and sustainability agenda.

Discussions focused on youth skills development, technical training, environmental monitoring, responsible sourcing, traceability and post-mining landscape restoration.

Prof. Ing. Martin Kresner highlighted the extensive experience of TU Bergakademie Freiberg in mining and the restoration of degraded mining landscapes, stressing the importance of integrating rehabilitation into mining operations and ensuring that mined lands remain useful to communities after mining.

Dr. Ing. Martin Kofi Mensah also emphasised the importance of listening to artisanal and small-scale miners and developing practical solutions that recognise their realities while supporting formalisation. He highlighted opportunities to train young professionals and develop specialised enterprises capable of providing technical services across the ASM value chain.

The engagement provided a platform for GoldBod and the YEMAYA Science Project consortium to explore potential cooperation in skills development, technology, responsible mining and environmental sustainability as part of efforts to promote a more responsible and sustainable ASM sector in Ghana.