Mining in Motion Summit Highlights Strategies for Formalizing Ghana’s ASGM Sector

Accra: Industry leaders at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit spotlighted Ghana's ongoing efforts to formalize its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. Participants at an India Gold Metaverse-sponsored session, titled "Case Studies in ASGM Formalization: Learning from Successes and Addressing Challenges," emphasized that formalization has the potential to catalyze sustainability, build stronger communities, and drive long-term economic growth. According to African Press Organization, Martin Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, stressed the need for regulatory and legislative changes that support small-scale miners, ensuring that revenue from their contributions translates into real economic, social, and communal growth. Melissa Correa Vélez, Program Manager at Swiss Better Gold, highlighted the human-centered approach necessary for successful formalization efforts. Through Swiss Better Gold's Boots on the Ground initiative, Vélez advocates for programs that extend beyond legal struct ures to genuinely improve livelihoods and environmental stewardship. Vélez further emphasized the importance of keeping miners engaged in responsible practices, warning that if miners lose interest due to challenges, they may operate illegally. Kwaku Afrifa Nsiah-Asare, a lawyer and entrepreneur at Typhoon Greenfield Development, underscored the necessity of government support for ASGM formalization in Ghana, candidly discussing the social and financial challenges in the sector. Lamon Rutten, Managing Director and CEO of India Gold Metaverse, brought a tech-forward perspective, discussing the transformative potential of digital innovation in the ASGM value chain. He noted that blockchain technologies and AI could enhance artisanal and small-scale mining operations by using tools like geo-tracking, radio-frequency identification-equipped machinery, and internet-of-things devices to trace ore sources. Rutten suggested collaboration with local banks to understand the sector and drive sustainable growth. The p anelists acknowledged that projects like the Ghana Land Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project, a joint initiative with the World Bank, are setting a precedent by offering financial and technical support, simplifying licensing through District Mining Committees, and organizing miners into Community Mining Schemes. These efforts contribute to building a more legal, sustainable, and community-driven ASGM sector in Ghana. Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative, led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana's Ashanti Kingdom, in collaboration with Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, the summit provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders.