Based in Accra, Ghana, Afrimex is committed to setting benchmarks in gold mining, trading, and support services, positioning it as a pioneer in the country’s gold mining sector. A leading contributor to gold production in Africa, Ghana’s innovative spirit, comprehensive infrastructure, political stability, and qualified labor have made it a particularly attractive option for foreign investors, customers, and partners.
Afrimex’s mission is to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality services and products that satisfy the needs of all customers. With a wealth of collective experience in the gold mining industry, Afrimex is committed to identifying and securing the best assets and creating the best returns for the clients it serves.
A recent paper published by the Journal of Sustainable Mining highlights the importance of sustainable development in Ghana’s gold mines. The report highlighted the critical role of gold mining to the socio-economic development of not just Ghana but also many developing nations globally. Between 1493 and 1600, the report reveals, Ghana ranked as the world’s leading gold-producing nation, accounting for a staggering 36% of global output. As the report suggests, for many researchers, Ghana’s gold mining industry is an exciting topic of study, with the country having been mining gold for over 1,000 years.
According to the paper, Ghana has been heavily reliant on the gold mining sector for employment creation and revenue generation over the course of the last 30 years, with the sector having attracted significant foreign direct investment. However, the paper also suggested that gold mining had exacerbated incidences of environmental degradation, including pollution of vital drinking water sources.
To meet the definition of “sustainable development in the mining sector,” an investment must be technically appropriate, financially profitable, socially responsible, and environmentally sound, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) suggests. Mandated to assess the effectiveness of sustainable development in the mining sector, ICMM was formed in 2001 as a voluntary organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development as a practical necessity.
The paper published by the Journal of Sustainable Mining comprised studies undertaken in four Ghanaian communities, namely Bogoso, Iduapriem, and Tarkwa in the western region and Ayanfuri in the central region. The communities were selected due to their rich mining histories, with each sharing similar environmental and socioeconomic characteristics. The data gathered included perceptions and experiences of various stakeholders through interviews and focus group discussions.
Although stakeholders conceded that mining activities have taken an environmental toll on some parts of Ghana over the years, the report also highlighted environmental policies implemented by the Ghanaian government designed to protect wildlife and habitats across the country, for example the Environmental Protection Agency Act of 1994 and the Environmental Assessment Regulations of 1999. While mining companies are expected to make profits, the Government of Ghana has underscored the importance of providing for the social and development needs of their host communities and protecting the environment.
The Ghana Responsible Mining Alliance was established with the mission of helping businesses operating in the mining sector to achieve their sustainability goals. Engaging with various stakeholders, including government representatives, development NGOs, and local community representatives, the Responsible Mining Alliance will direct US$10 million in funding towards economic development and capacity-building programs in Ghana’s gold mining regions, helping to safeguard the future of local communities, Ghana’s mining industry, and the economic and environmental future of the country.
Recognizing that prosperity is not merely manifested in the form of profits, Afrimex operates with the ethos that true success lies in helping future generations to achieve their hopes and dreams. Implementing robust corporate social responsibility policies, Afrimex is actively investing in local communities in every region where it does business – for example, by providing potable water bore holes to deliver safe drinking water. At the heart of all the company’s operations lies the desire to provide unmatched value to the mining sector, not just as a service provider but also as a partner in progress.