China is strengthening its partnership with Ghana in the mining sector, placing emphasis on technology transfer, responsible investment, and the development of sustainable, long-term industrial capacity.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, said the collaboration is intended to help Ghana maximise the economic and social value of its mineral resources. He made the remarks during a three-day training workshop organised by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) for editors and reporters, with support from the Association of China–Ghana Mining LBG.

Addressing participants, Ambassador Tong noted that despite Ghana’s vast mineral wealth, the country continues to struggle to translate its resources into broad-based national development. He said China’s cooperation with Ghana is aimed at helping to establish a complete and sustainable industrial chain in the mining sector.

“Ghana has abundant natural resources, but turning these into full social and economic benefits remains a challenge. Through bilateral cooperation, China hopes to support the development of a complete mining value chain,” he stated.

He cited Chinese-linked mining companies such as Greenfield Goldmine and Shandong as examples of firms applying advanced Chinese technology and equipment to improve efficiency and promote responsible mining practices. According to him, such partnerships contribute to job creation, infrastructure development and increased local value addition.

Ambassador Tong also disclosed that discussions are ongoing between a Chinese provincial delegation and Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which could result in a Memorandum of Understanding covering areas such as geological surveying, environmental management and sustainable mining development.

On environmental sustainability, he described green mining as a viable solution to the challenges posed by harmful artisanal and illegal mining. He said modern mining technologies support land reclamation, reduce water pollution and encourage regulated community participation.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting green mining and strengthening environmental protection as part of renewed efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources.

The Minister stressed the urgent need to address the environmental impacts of mining, particularly water and air pollution and land degradation. While acknowledging mining as a key pillar of the economy, he warned that weak regulation and unsustainable practices pose serious risks to national development and public safety.

He noted that green mining represents the future of Ghana’s minerals sector, as it prioritises renewable energy use, waste reduction, water conservation, mercury-free technologies, resource efficiency, community engagement, post-mining land restoration and carbon footprint reduction.

According to him, scaling up green mining practices is critical to eliminating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to cause extensive environmental damage and severe socio-economic harm.

The Minister cited the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended, and the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), as key legal instruments reinforcing Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. He also referenced Ghana’s commitments to major international environmental agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

“These conventions, treaties and national laws demonstrate Ghana’s resolve to uphold responsible mining practices,” he said.

He concluded by urging the media to support the green mining agenda through responsible reporting, the use of credible data and sustained engagement with stakeholders to keep the public informed and protected.