GHANA is scaling up cooperation between small-scale and large-scale gold miners as part of a broader push to create jobs and accelerate sustainable economic growth. The government is positioning the country’s gold sector as a key driver of national development, with artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) increasingly recognised as central to the plan.
The upcoming Mining in Motion Summit, set for June 2–4, 2025, in Accra, will spotlight this strategy. A key panel, Fostering Synergies Between ASM and LSM: Maximising Gold Value Through Collaboration, will bring together leaders from across the mining spectrum to chart a path forward for integrated growth.
Sponsored by Newmont Africa, the session will feature input from the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, the World Gold Council, and the ECOWAS Chamber of Mines. Panellists will explore how improved collaboration between ASGM and large-scale mining (LSM) firms can expand the industry while addressing environmental, operational, and social challenges.
Land zoning reforms support shared access
At the heart of Ghana’s mining reforms is the work of the Minerals Commission, which is reducing land-use conflicts by demarcating zones for ASGM within or adjacent to existing large-scale concessions. This zoning approach is designed to support regulated operations and peaceful coexistence between both groups.
These reforms are being backed by flagship initiatives such as the Community Mining Scheme and the World Bank-funded Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project. Together, they are helping to formalise ASGM activities and promote environmentally responsible practices.
Legal recognition also enables ASGM operators to share infrastructure—such as road networks and logistics hubs—with nearby LSM companies, reducing operational costs and increasing mutual benefits for both groups.
Mining summit drives national dialogue
The Mining in Motion Summit serves as a vital platform for dialogue between government regulators, mining companies, community leaders, and international stakeholders. This year’s edition brings together major industry players including Newmont Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Emirates Gold, Rand Refinery, and officials from the World Gold Council.
‘By fostering open dialogue and cooperation, we are ensuring Ghana’s mining agenda reflects the realities and aspirations of all stakeholders,’ said a summit organiser. ‘The focus is on inclusive growth that aligns local benefit with global standards.’
Organised by the Ashanti Green Initiative and spearheaded by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, a prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom, the summit is hosted in partnership with the World Bank and the World Gold Council. The 2025 theme, ‘Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact’, underscores Ghana’s goal to link resource development with both national prosperity and global sustainability goals.
As Ghana positions itself at the forefront of responsible mining in Africa, the collaborative model being championed could offer a blueprint for other resource-rich nations looking to balance industrial growth with community development and environmental care.
