The Chamber of Mines has rewarded players in the mining industry who have exhibited outstanding excellence in the mining sector.
The awards night, which was graced by mining industry captains, also celebrated lifetime achievers in the mining industry.
The Chief Executive Officer of the chamber, Mr Sulemanu Koney, commended mining companies who had weathered the storm and continued to produce in the face of recent dips in the price of gold.
He stressed the need to forge ahead with a new orientation, to ensure that the country leveraged the mining industry in more creative ways to help achieve a middle-income status in the future.
“We expect to deepen these engagements in the coming years and hopefully get the authorities to appreciate the catalytic role the mining industry can play in our economy,” he added.
Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Tarkwa Mines, emerged as the winner of the coveted Mining Company of the Year award. The company also placed second in the Best Performer in Innovation category.
Other big winners of the day were Chirano Gold Mines which won the Best Performer in Environmental Management and emerged as the first runner-up in Best Performer in Local Content as well as Occupational Health and Safety.
Ghana Manganese Company came second in the category for Best Performer in Environmental Management. Golden Star Wassa Limited won the Best Performer in Occupational Health and Safety, while Newmont Golden Ridge, Akyem, took home the award for Best Performer in Innovation.
Adamus Resources Limited was adjudged the Best Performer in Local Content with West African Forgings receiving the award for Best Performer in Mine Supplies and Support Services with Interplast Limited emerging the 1st runner-up in the category.
A former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Joyce R. Aryee, became the first recipient of the GMIA Lifetime Achievement Award, which is bestowed on an individual for outstanding achievements and significant contributions to Ghana’s mining industry.
The Vice-President and Head of Stakeholder Relations for Gold Fields – West Africa, Mr David Johnson, said his outfit was glad to be recognised for playing a leadership role in the mining industry in Ghana.
“It is great to have achievements to celebrate, particularly at a time when most of the recent developments in the mining industry have been less positive,” he said.
The performance of mining companies was evaluated on Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management, Social Investment, Local Content and Innovation, using information from audits, as well as statutory and regulatory reports.
“The challenge ahead for GFGL is to consolidate our leadership position by continuing to mine responsibly, reduce cost, and consistently return greater value to stakeholders, including our employees and local communities,” he added.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
