Tarkwa: The AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine Smart Systems Centre established at the University of Mines and Technology, UMaT, Tarkwa in the Western Region, has started delivering positive results. During its pilot phase, some students at the University designed and built two functional drones using locally fabricated materials, while another student team also developed a prototype sanitary pad vending machine, which would soon be presented to the Mine.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Daniel Boadi, the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, highlighted the achievements during the commissioning of the facility. He emphasized the importance of providing the right tools, mentorship, and environment for young minds, noting that the facility, valued at $760,000, is part of the Mine's broader commitment to human capital development. Last year, the Mine invested GHS17.2 million into education and youth development.
Mr Boadi stated that this investment focuses on developing local Ghanaian talents to design smart mining solutions, reducing reliance on external technology, and positioning Ghana as a regional leader in mining innovation. He expressed appreciation to Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of UMaT, the University Council, faculty, and management of UMaT for their vision and partnership.
He urged students to take ownership of the Centre, challenge assumptions, test bold ideas, and engineer solutions for real-world problems, envisioning the Centre as a birthplace for innovations benefiting both Ghana's Mines and the broader society.
Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, Pro Vice Chancellor of UMaT, provided further insight into the Centre, which includes five sub-centres: Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Advanced Data Systems, Digital Equipment Fabrication, Environmental Monitoring and Smart Farming, and Power Generation and Sustainable Energy. She outlined five transformative impacts delivered by the Centre, including safer, smarter mining operations, local talent training in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and data science, improved Mine safety and environmental monitoring, creation of start-ups and new jobs in mining technology, and sustainable mining aligned with global standards.
Prof. Akuffo highlighted that UMaT has already trained over 600 coders and innovators, aligning with the government's objectives, and commended AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine for their commitment to UMaT and Ghanaian talents. She also praised Dr Emmanuel Effah and his team for their contributions to assembling and installing the equipment, which saved significant international costs and demonstrated the capability of Ghanaian expertise to deliver world-class systems.
Mr Ebenezer Cobbinah, the Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, encouraged students in the municipality and the Western Region to utilize the facility to advance their digital skills and contribute to sustainable development.