Sustainable mining is the future – MIFF CEO

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs. Justina Nelson, has called for mining practices that ensures sustainability of the ecosystem.

She noted that sustainability is a major driving force for long term profitability within Ghana’s mining industry and urged players in the sector to have a rethink of their operations to preserve the environment.

Mrs Nelson was delivering a keynote address at the 6^th Africa Sustainability Report and think Energy SDGs Awards in Accra on the theme:“The Future of Mining: How Sustainability Can Drive Long-Term Profitability.”

Present were government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates among many others.

ESG Strategy

Mrs Nelson laid out MIIF’s comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy and urged mining stakeholders to align profitability with environmental and social responsibility.

Mrs Nelson explained that Ghana’s mining sector must evolve to meet growing global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements while simultaneously safeguarding ecosystems, protecting water bodies, and empowering communities.

“In today’s climate-resilient world, profitability and responsibility are no longer mutually exclusive.

The future of mining lies in the integration of sustainable practices that not only protect the environment but enhance operational performance and social trust,” she added.

Citing disturbing local examples, the MIIF CEO referenced the recent warning by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) about potential water treatment plant shutdowns due to pollution from illegal mining.

The development, Mrs Nelson observed, has compelled the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to direct all illegal mining operations near water bodies to cease, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

“Illegal activities like galamsey are not distant problems. They are urgent realities threatening Ghana’s water security, public health, and economic stability,” she cautioned.

Mrs Nelson specifically cited a recent meeting convened by President John Dramani Mahama with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as clear evidence of his commitment to secure the buy-in of all stakeholders in the collective effort to curb illegal mining and protect the ecosystem.

Forward thinking

Mrs. Nelson praised forward-thinking mining firms that are investing in renewable energy, electric and hydrogen-powered fleets, and precision mining technologies.

These, she explained, are reducing carbon emissions, minimizing water usage, and increasing profitability by cutting costs and improving efficiency.

Mrs Nelson, however, emphasized that sustainability must go beyond environmental concerns to include shared value for local communities.

“Leading companies are investing in skills development, infrastructure, and inclusive governance. This isn’t charity, but a smart, strategic investment in long-term operational security,” she added.

MIIF’s sustainability drive

Mrs Nelson said, at the heart of MIIF’s sustainability drive is its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy, built on seven core performance standards including labour practices, pollution prevention, biodiversity conservation, Indigenous rights, and cultural heritage.

She further emphasized that every MIIF investment is subject to ESG risk assessments and ratings to ensure sustainable impact.

Mrs Nelson said the Fund also mandates all investee companies to submit comprehensive ESG risk assessments and management plans, which are monitored throughout the investment life cycle.

The CEO of MIIF was unequivocal in stating that while sustainable practices require upfront investment, they deliver superior economic returns in the long term through cost savings, premium pricing, lower regulatory risk, and stronger stakeholder trust.

“As the world decarbonises and global mineral demand rises, sustainability is not a compliance issue; it’s a value-creation strategy.

At MIIF, our mission is clear: to turn Ghana’s mineral wealth into lasting value for future generations. The future of mining is not about extracting more, but creating more responsibly, sustainably, and profitably,” she noted.

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