Ghana, China deepen cooperation to tackle illegal mining

Ghana and China have solidified their joint efforts to combat illegal mining while expanding cooperation in geological exploration, environmental protection, and responsible investment in Ghana's mining industry. The agreement emerged from a high-level meeting between Ghana's Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and China's Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Sun Shuxian, during the 2026 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, China.

Armah-Kofi Buah noted the discussions as a crucial step to tackle challenges in the mining sector and enhance oversight of Chinese companies operating in Ghana. The two nations agreed to ensure Chinese nationals involved in mining adhere to Ghanaian laws and face sanctions for illegal activities. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that violators would not only face consequences under Ghanaian law but could also be targeted by Chinese authorities.

The renewed collaboration will encompass green mining technologies, environmental protection, technology transfer, geological surveys, and the development of Ghana's critical mineral resources. A joint technical team will be formed to coordinate and implement the agreed-upon areas of cooperation. Sun Shuxian pledged China's willingness to provide technical assistance to strengthen Ghana's geological sector, proposing increased cooperation in geological mapping, technological innovation, and the assessment of critical mineral resources.

China is also prepared to support Ghana with satellite remote sensing and airborne geophysical surveys to address data gaps in the country's geological information. The China Geological Survey will lead the follow-up on the proposed technical cooperation, while China's Department of International Cooperation will serve as the main coordinating body.

Both countries are considering the establishment of a dialogue mechanism to discuss sustainable mining, mineral value chains, and intelligent mining practices. The Chinese delegation shared China's expertise in restoring abandoned mining sites, offering to share rehabilitation practices and technical experience with Ghana.