Ghana is set to benefit from China’s advanced geological mapping technology, including satellite remote sensing and aerogeophysical surveys, to map areas with limited geological data and identify potential mineral resources.

The pledge was made by China’s Vice Minister for Natural Resources, Sun Shuxian, during bilateral talks with Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, on the sidelines of the 28th China Mining Conference in Tianjin.

Vice Minister Sun said China would provide technical support to help Ghana fill gaps in its basic geological data through supplementary surveys in unmapped areas.

“We will provide satellite remote sensing, aero-geophysical survey and other technical support to help Ghana fill gaps in its basic geological data through supplementary surveys in unmapped areas,” he said.

He said the two countries would jointly conduct geological mapping and assess the potential of critical minerals in key metallogenic belts, while exploring long-term joint research into minerals in which both countries have an interest.

“We will explore establishing joint laboratories on geological prospecting and mineral resources, and joint studies on metallogenic regularities for advantageous minerals including gold and lithium,” he said.

On future cooperation, Sun proposed the establishment of a formal dialogue mechanism on sustainable mining and encouraged responsible investment in Ghana.

“We should establish a formal dialogue mechanism between Ghana and China for pragmatic exchanges on sustainable mining, development of the mineral resource industrial chain, and green and intelligent mining,” he said.

He added that the China Geological Survey, including the Wuhan Geological Survey, would follow up on the technical cooperation, with annual exchanges of technicians for joint training and field studies.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said Ghana was seeking partnerships that promote value addition, technology transfer and responsible mining.

The Director-General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Dr Prosper Akaba, expressed gratitude to China’s Vice Minister for the pledge to support the Authority.

He said the Authority was ready to work with the Wuhan Geological Survey on the proposed technical cooperation.