The upcoming tenth West and Central African (WaCA) Mining Summit and Expo will showcase the dynamism and resilience of the mining industry in these regions, as well as explore the challenges facing mining in the regions, with speakers covering various topics that have significant impact on mining.

“Robust panel debates involving industry leaders, industry discussions, along with standout individual presentations, will highlight pressing issues and bring global trends to the fore for summit attendees, [while] the exhibition floor will feature world-class expertise and solutions, along with daily seminars to empower and benefit trade visitors attending,” according to organiser Magenta Global.

The two-day event will be held at the Accra International Convention Centre in Accra, Ghana, from October 24 to 25 and will also showcase the latest technologies and services from companies in the region and worldwide.

In line with improving legislation and regulations around mining in the region, the following topics will be discussed: ‘Mineral resource policy, regulations and investment updates on Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Benin’, ‘Practical framework for stakeholder collaboration’ and ‘How to ensure compliance and business integrity’.

he attraction and retention of investment in the region will also be a key issue to be discussed. Speakers at the event will cover topics including: ‘The Impact of Chinese economy rebalancing in West and Central Africa mining projects’, ‘New tax regime developments and their implications for mining investments’, ‘What is the perception and reality of West and Central Africa Mining: risk-reward ratings on mining in the region’, ‘What do investors look for in junior mining projects’, ‘Attracting investments and joint ventures’, and ‘What constitutes corruption’.

Challenges facing the region is another topic to be pursued, with talks on raising capital, tackling infrastructure roadblocks, how to deal with health, safety and labour issues, as well as understanding and mitigating business and operational risks.

The environmental impact of mines, sustainable mining, working with local communities, managing environmental risk and the latest technology and innovations for mining operations will also be discussed.

WaCA Mining is supported by organisations and industry stakeholders that include the Alliance for Integrity, a business-driven, multi-stakeholder initiative seeking to promote transparency and integrity in the economic system, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ghana’s Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

According to Magenta Global, the event attracts mining professionals from more than 30 countries, with delegates, visitors and exhibitors coming from in and around the West and Central Africa mining community, as well as from Asia, Australia, Canada, South Africa, the US and the UK.