The 2012 West Africa Mining and Power Exhibition and Conference (WAMPEX/WAMPOC) is underway in Accra with a call on mining companies to do more in the area of sustainable development and deepening partnership with stakeholders.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mike Allen Hammah, who made the call said partnerships with government, communities, civil society groups and academia could help advance the development of the industry.

It will help confront local and global challenges such as illegal mining, economic recession and accelerate progress towards agreed goals.

“It is through a deepened partnership of stakeholders that the industry can realise the achievement of the six priority areas of poverty reduction, revenue management, local content, regional development planning, social investment and dispute resolution,” Mr Hammah told delegates at the opening session.

The three-day conference on the theme “Deepening Partnerships for the Sustainable Development of Africa’s Mineral and Energy Resources,” aims at addressing the current sustainable development issues that have risen in the mining industry in Ghana and in Africa.

The conference, from June 6 – 8, would provide a platform for experience and knowledge sharing and discussions on the challenges and future prospects of Africa’s mining and energy sector.

Over 100 mining and power companies from Ghana, Mali, India, China, Senegal, Canada and Australia are expected to attend the conference.

Mr. Hammah said the partnerships between companies, governments, development agencies and civil society could help fill capacity and governance gaps where necessary and expand the overall socio-economic contribution from mining and metal investments.

The Sector Minister said while government had formulated a forward looking mining policy, it would take collaborative efforts of stakeholders in the sector to achieve the vision, adding that, government's viewpoint alone would not bring about the desired development of the mining industry.

Mr. Hammah said, government was aware of the need to maintain a balance between incentives granted to mineral sector investors, and benefits that accrued to the country from the exploitation of mineral resources.

He said to ensure a win-win situation for both investors and government, there was continuous dialogue between industry operators and the State.

Nana Darkwa, Director of Events and Projects International, said the mining and power conference was one of the most effective ways to move the mining and power industries forward.

He said the event would showcase new technological development in the mining industry and allow participants to network.

The West Africa Mining and Power Exhibition and Conference (WAMPEX/WAMPOC) is the premium West African platform for the mining and power sectors to network with countries and other business experts.**