VIDEO: New UMaT institute to bridge knowledge gap in Ghana’s extractive sector

The Acting Director of the Institute of Minerals Resource Investment and Governance (IMRIG) at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Dr Frank Boateng, has identified misinformation and limited public understanding as some of the biggest challenges confronting Ghana’s extractive sector, saying the newly launched institute will help promote evidence-based discussions through research and education.

Speaking at the official launch of IMRIG in Accra on Wednesday, Dr Boateng said misconceptions about the mining industry have contributed to public pressure and distorted debates on mineral governance and investment.

“We recognise that there is considerable misunderstanding and misinformation surrounding the extractive industry. That misinformation fuels unnecessary public pressure and misinformation on social media,” he said.

According to him, IMRIG was established to provide credible research that will support government decision-making, shape policy and strengthen advocacy on issues affecting the extractive sector.

He explained that while UMaT has built a strong reputation for producing highly skilled mining engineers who serve across the industry, evolving challenges in mineral governance, investment and sustainability require a broader research focus.

“We have been producing some of the best engineers, but we have realised that issues around governance and mineral resource investment have become increasingly important. As a university, we are not only going to produce engineers, but we also want to strengthen research within the extractive sector,” he said.

Dr Boateng said the institute is founded on the Triple Helix model, which promotes collaboration among government, academia and industry to develop practical, research-driven solutions to challenges in Ghana’s mineral resource sector.

Beyond research, he said IMRIG will embark on public education and stakeholder engagement to improve understanding of how the mining industry operates.

He noted that the institute intends to organise capacity-building programmes for journalists covering the extractive sector to enhance reporting on mining, mineral governance and investment.

Dr Boateng said there remains a significant knowledge gap about the mining industry, particularly regarding the scale of investment and the lengthy exploration process required before a mine becomes operational.

“It can take up to 10 years and an investment of nearly US$90 million just to explore for gold before a mine is established. Many people do not understand this reality,” he said.

He stressed that through research, advocacy and public education, IMRIG aims to simplify complex issues for the public and, where necessary, communicate them in local languages to encourage broader participation in national discussions on mineral resource management.

“We hope to help build a more informed national conversation about Ghana’s mineral resources through research, education and stakeholder engagement,” Dr Boateng added.

IMRIG was officially launched to serve as a centre for research on mineral governance, investment, policy and sustainable resource development, bringing together experts from academia, government and industry to support evidence-based policymaking in Ghana’s extractive sector.