All eyes will turn to Accra, Ghana this year as the country prepares to host the highly anticipated Mining in Motion 2025 Summit, a major event that brings together key players in Africa’s mining sector. With the theme “Driving Sustainable Mining and Local Growth for Global Impact,” the summit is scheduled to take place later this year and is expected to attract top government officials, mining executives, international partners, investors, and community leaders.
The event will explore how African countries, particularly Ghana, can harness their vast mineral resources not just for local development, but also for long-term global relevance in the mining industry. The focus will be on turning raw materials into real economic transformation, promoting policy reforms, encouraging responsible mining practices, and strengthening international cooperation in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) space.
Ghana is Africa’s second-largest gold producer and a hub for other key minerals like bauxite, manganese, and lithium. The country has continued to play a leading role in shaping the direction of the mining sector on the continent. With growing global demand for clean energy minerals and sustainable practices, Ghana’s mining sector is now under the spotlight as an example of what’s possible when policy meets innovation.
The Mining in Motion 2025 Summit will serve as a platform for critical conversations around how African nations can add value to their raw minerals, promote local beneficiation, and improve the livelihoods of citizens, especially those involved in ASM operations.
Speakers at the summit are expected to include Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, top executives from Chamber of Mines, representatives from African Union, the World Bank, civil society groups, and investors from countries such as Canada, Australia, China, and South Africa.
One of the key goals of the summit is to encourage responsible mining practices, especially within the informal small-scale mining sector, which employs millions across Africa but is often linked to environmental degradation, unsafe conditions, and revenue losses.
“There is a growing need to formalize ASM operations, introduce cleaner technologies, and ensure miners operate in a way that protects the environment and supports community development,” said an official from Ghana’s Ministry of Mining. “This summit will highlight how we can support miners, not criminalize them, and give them the tools to succeed responsibly.”
The event will also look at how digital technology and data-driven solutions can improve transparency, traceability, and compliance in the mining sector, allowing African nations to compete more strongly on the global stage. This includes the use of blockchain in mineral tracking, satellite monitoring, and mobile payment systems for ASM operators.
Organizers say the summit will be a mix of high-level panel discussions, investor forums, technical workshops, and community-focused exhibitions. Ghana’s mining communities will have the chance to showcase local innovations and share their experiences with decision-makers and partners.
Ghana has made progress in recent years with efforts to combat illegal mining, introduce mercury-free gold processing, and attract sustainable investments in lithium and rare earths—minerals that are critical for the global green energy transition.
As demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements increases globally, African nations are being called upon to build smarter partnerships and protect their long-term interests. The Mining in Motion 2025 Summit is expected to push for regional collaboration and deeper engagement between governments, the private sector, and communities.
Africa’s mining future is at a turning point, and Ghana is positioning itself as a thought leader and an investment destination. The decisions made at this summit could shape the continent’s path for decades.
