MIIF CEO highlights ESG-driven mining investment strategy at PDAC 2026

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs Justina Nelson, has highlighted Ghana’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining investment at the just-ended Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention 2026 in Toronto.

The convention, held from March 1 to March 4, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, brought together more than 30,000 participants from over 135 countries, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most influential gatherings in the global mining industry since its establishment in 1932.

Mrs Nelson led MIIF’s delegation to the event, which included the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South and MIIF Board Member, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije; the Chief Technical and Operations Officer, Mr Kwabena Barning; the Head of Investment, Mr Ernest Attiso; and two other officials of the Fund.

Reflecting on discussions at the convention, Mrs Nelson noted that MIIF has strengthened climate-risk assessments within its due diligence framework as part of efforts to position Ghana’s mining sector to attract ESG-aligned global capital.

She indicated that the Fund is also exploring corridor-level financing models across Ghana’s key mineral belts, including gold, lithium, manganese and graphite, to unlock strategic investments and support long-term value creation in the sector.

A dominant theme throughout the four-day convention was the increasing integration of climate risk into mining finance. Industry experts highlighted that extreme weather patterns, evolving regulatory frameworks and carbon pricing mechanisms are now central considerations in financial modelling and investment decisions.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards were also widely discussed, with investors placing greater emphasis on projects that combine financial returns with measurable environmental and social impact.

Mrs Nelson further emphasised that MIIF is embedding community prosperity and stakeholder alignment into its long-term investment planning, reflecting a global shift toward responsible and inclusive mining practices.

Discussions at the convention also underscored the importance of securing a social licence to operate, with participants noting that mining projects that actively engage local communities and promote shared value tend to be more resilient and attractive to investors.