West
Africa Industrial Week 2004
Posted: 19 April 2004
It has recently been reported that the World Bank has committed
US$4.9 billion in funding for projects in West Africa, involving
trade, infrastructural development and improvements in energy and
telecommunications aimed at accelerating regional integration in
the ECOWAS region.
Further indications of confidence in growth and development in
West Africa can be seen in Gold Fields’ recent announcement
of its investment of US$160 million at Tarkwa gold mine in Ghana,
confirming that mine as one of the group’s core assets.
In addition, two substantial new mines are being planned by Newmont;
Ashanti recently upgraded at Iduapriem; and Golden Star Resources
is due to reopen the Wassa mine.
Substantial development is also taking place in neighbouring countries,
with Randgold Resources due to begin production at its $80-million
Loulo project in Western Mali. In the Morila region, it is reported
that six new targets have been defined for drill testing, and officials
in Nigeria are seeking investors in the country’s solid-minerals
sector, which they claim has the potential to surpass successful
mining sectors in the rest of West Africa.
Because mining accounts for large percentages of these countries’
GDP, there is a growing and continual need for more efficient mining
methods and more productive equipment.
West Africa Industrial Week 2004 provides the ideal opportunity
for the world’s leading suppliers to the mining sector and
companies from both the project and equipment supply side to showcase
their products and services as well as to build relationships with
leaders and specialists in the region’s mining industry.
The Hon. Mrs Cecilia Bannerman – Minister of Mines, Ghana
says: “The time has come for Africa to ensure that her endowed
resources are developed and managed in a wise, cost effective and
sustainable manner and Ghana is happy to share her experiences in
this regard with the African Mining Partnership. West Africa Industrial
Week, hosted in Ghana since 1994, has developed an international
reputation as a platform that advances current philosophies, techniques
and technologies in West Africa. For the benefit of future generations
my Ministry supports this important networking event.”
West Africa Industrial Week 2004 takes place at the International
Conference Centre in Accra, Ghana from 6 – 9 July 2004, and
combines four specialised events:
- WAM - The 6th West African International Mining Exhibition;
- Electrics West Africa 2004 - The 8th International Exhibition
for Electrics, Power Generation and Electronics;
- C.I.D. – West African Exhibition for Construction and
Infrastructure Development;
- WAMPOC 2004 – The 4th West African Mining and Power Conference.
The organisers, Exhibition Management Services, report that many
long time exhibitors have already reconfirmed their support for
2004. The Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services
(CAMESE) has reserved their Pavilion along with the Council for
Geoscience, WASA, Corstor, Aberdare Cables, Interplast, Drager Safety
Germany, Geotech/Sokkia Singapore, Fugro Airborne, Coin de Mire,
Gemcom, Brooke Pattrick Publications among others.
South African exporters have maintained a strong presence at WAM
in past exhibitions with Trade and Investment South Africa hosting
South African national Pavilions in 2000 and 2002.
The theme for the 6th Biennial Mining and Power Conference (WAMPOC)
is “Integrating Mining into the Economies of West African
States: Pooling Power-generating Resources”.
Mrs Cecelia Bannerman, Minister of Mines Ghana will deliver the
keynote address reviewing Ghana’s mining industry from 1985
to date while Chief Executive of Ashanti Goldfields Company Dr Sam
E. Jonah will provide a presentation on Reform of the Mining Law.
Other guest speakers include Nigeria’s Honorable Minister
for Solid Minerals; Dr K.K. Apraku, Minister for Regional Integration
and NEPAD; Patrice Motsepe, Chairman and Chief Executive, Harmony
Gold Mine, South Africa; Dr Enos Banda, CEO of Eskom Enterprises
Africa; Mark Bristow, Chief Executive, Randgold Resources; and Daniel
Owiredu, Chief Operating Officer, Ashanti Goldfields Company.
Topics under discussion include:
- New African Mining Partnership;
- Attracting Foreign Investment into Africa;
- Empowering Indigenous Miners in Africa;
- Mano River Resources of Sierra Leone;
- Investment opportunities in Mali;
- Project Financing;
- Environmental Initiatives (Energy) with regards to the West
Africa Gas Pipeline Project;
- and many others.
The exhibition and conference are sponsored and supported by the
Ministry of Mines, The Minerals Commission, The Ghana Chamber of
mines, The Electricity Supply Company of Ghana, The Volta River
Authority, The Ghana Water Company and Ashanti Gold Fields.
CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Joyce R. Aryee says: “The
Ghana Chamber of Mines has actively supported the West African Mining
exhibition and its associated conference WAMPOC since its inception
in 1994.
“This 2004 event is being held at a time when the mining industry
and its associates are proactively showcasing sustainable development
in mining practice. The inclusion of the other elements of West
Africa Industrial Week cannot be overemphasized since all these
disciplines contribute important aspects to every successful mining
operation.
“It is therefore my pleasure to invite all stakeholders to
come to Ghana – ‘the land of gold’ – and
participate in this important event for the West African Mining
Industry.”
“Ever since WAM began, CME has participated in full and has
always enjoyed every moment of the show,” says Alhaji N. Abudulai
of CME Gh. Ltd. “It has given us the opportunity to meet and
interact with other service providers and the general mining community.
Each year brings not only improvements but also lots of benefits.
The level of participation both from Ghana and the outside world
of mining and its associates is always large and impressive.”
For more information see www.exhibitionsafrica.com
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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