The theme of this year’s West and Central African (WaCA) Mining Summit & Expo ‘Recalibrating for Growth’ has been specially selected to reflect the dynamism and resilience of the mining industry in the region as it overcomes challenges such as low prices, volatile demand and fickle global sentiment.

“Staying competitive, scaling production momentum and improving financial strength amid a challenging metal price environment are forcing mining companies to recalibrate for future growth,” says organiser Magenta Global CEO Maggie Tan.

Despite the challenging backdrop of the global mining industry, the WaCA regions continue to provide plenty of opportunities, promise and growth, says Magenta Global.

The eighth WaCA Mining Summit & Expo, which has a brand new logo and website, will be held on October 19 to 20 at the Accra International Conference Centre, in Ghana, and is said to be the largest event dedicated to the mining industry in the WaCA regions.

WaCA Mining is the only independent mega event that unites the mining communities in the WaCA regions, emphasises Magenta Global.

International mining companies, government officials, investors and service providers are expected to gather to discuss and explore the latest projects and opportunities.

The event attracts mining professionals from over 30 countries in and around the WaCA mining community, as well as from Asia, Australia, Canada, South Africa, the US and the UK.

Attendees can expect panel debates by industry leaders, industry discussions along with standout individual presentations that will highlight pressing issues and bring global trends to the fore for summit attendees. The exhibition floor will feature “world-class” expertise and solutions along with daily seminars to empower and benefit trade visitors, says Magenta Global.

The organiser describes itself as an independent business media company that provides pragmatic and relevant information to government and business executives and professionals worldwide. It aims to provides the opportunity to share thought-provoking insights, and exchange ideas on the latest industry trends and technological developments with thought leaders and business peers.

With a strong focus on emerging economies, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, Magenta Global works in partnership with both the public and private sectors.

Tan explains that WaCA Mining is a very important platform for the mining industry to get first-hand insights, exchange ideas and discuss opportunities critical to a mine’s productivity and operational transformation.

“Improving confidence in mine planning and operations are key areas of focus. This show will showcase a whole gamut of investment opportunities, as well as improved modelling, mineralisation potential identification, construction, health and safety, power supply and funding practices [among other aspects]. It’s a one-stop information, networking and deal-making platform for WaCA,” she says.

Visitors to the WaCA expo will also be exposed to a range of technologies and services, as well as have the opportunity to learn more from a host of free seminars that have been scheduled throughout the two-day event.

WaCA Mining 2016 is supported by industry stakeholders that include Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and the Minerals Commission.

MLNR is the sector Ministry entrusted with the sustainable management and use of Ghana’s lands, forests, wildlife and mineral resources for socioeconomic growth and development.

This is achieved through the efficient formulation, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes of sector agencies; efficient and equitable land delivery; and the promotion of sustainable forest, wildlife and mineral resource management and use, explains Magenta Global.

The promotion of effective interagency and cross-sectoral linkages enables effective private-sector participation and promotion of effective community participation in multiple use of land, forest, wildlife and mineral resources.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Minerals Commission is a government agency established under Article 269 of the 1992 Constitution and the Minerals Commission Act of Ghana. The Minerals Commission, as the main promotional and regulatory body for the minerals sector in Ghana, is responsible for the regulation and management of the use of the country’s mineral resources and the coordination and implementation of policies relating to mining.

Ghana’s Minerals Commission also ensures compliance with Ghana’s mining and mineral laws and regulations through monitoring.

Ghana is one of the world’s top ten gold producers.