The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and Miwatek Ghana, a mining wastewater treatment engineering company, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct research on cleaning water contaminated by mining activities.
According to Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, the Vice Chancellor of UMaT, the collaboration will provide learning opportunities and internships for UMaT students, but the main objective is to find solutions for both small and large-scale mining pollution in water.
He stated, “Miwatek is into mine wastewater treatment which usually contains oil, heavy metals, suspension particles and others, but their technologies are able to take care of all these to make the water clean for drinking. UMaT is also involved in research as far as mine waste water is concerned. So the idea is that, if we can team up, then together we should be able to influence our space very positively.”
The partnership aims to allow students to learn about Miwatek's technologies and gain practical experience through internships. It also intends to explore solutions for addressing water pollution caused by small-scale mining operations.
Herman Grobler, the Managing Director of Miwatek Ghana Limited, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to society through education and collaboration.
He emphasized the company's expertise in mine wastewater treatment and its commitment to sharing knowledge and offering opportunities to students. Miwatek will provide financial support in the form of bursaries for outstanding students.
UMaT, located in Tarkwa, is Ghana's leading institution for mining engineering education. The university is not only focused on training personnel for the mining industry but also takes responsibility for researching and addressing mining-related challenges, such as pollution.
With the recent granting of a concession by the Minerals Commission for a model small-scale mining operation, UMaT considers the MoU with Miwatek Ghana Limited as a significant game changer.
The MoU will be effective for an initial period of four years and may be extended by mutual agreement for a specified period.
