Leading earth scientists gathered in Accra for the International Association for Structural Geology and Tectonics (IASGT) conference. They urged African governments to invest more aggressively in geological research, scientific training, and modern exploration technologies. This call comes as the global race for gold, lithium, and other critical minerals intensifies.
The central message from the conference was that Africa's competitive advantage lies in understanding the geology that formed these resources. Better geological knowledge can improve mineral exploration and reduce mining risks. It can also strengthen environmental management and position Ghana as a regional geoscience research centre.
This initiative aligns with a broader shift in global science towards building research capacity in developing countries. Many of the world's future mineral discoveries are expected to occur in these regions. The conference, hosted by the Department of Earth Science-University of Ghana, aims to close the gap between developed and developing countries in structural geology research.
Professor Manish Mamtani of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur highlighted IASGT's priority to promote structural geology research in developing nations. He noted that international scientific meetings have historically concentrated in Europe and North America. This limited participation from researchers in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.
IASGT is consciously addressing this imbalance by bringing internationally recognised scientists to developing countries. This strategy ensures that local scientific communities also benefit from global expertise. The conference reflects a commitment to fostering scientific growth where it is most needed.
Professor Mamtani also cautioned that technology alone cannot replace a solid understanding of geological processes. While artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming mineral exploration, fieldwork remains extremely important. AI is only as effective as the quality of the underlying scientific data and interpretation.
For Ghana, hosting the IASGT conference represents a significant opportunity, according to Professor Prince Ofori Amponsah. As Head of the Department of Earth Science at the University of Ghana, he sees it as a chance to strengthen Ghana's scientific capacity. It also deepens collaboration between universities, industry, and international research institutions.
Ghana's economy heavily relies on mining, making the conference particularly timely. The nation continues to expand gold production and aims to exploit emerging critical minerals like lithium. Structural geology underpins virtually every natural resource, from gold to oil, explaining how these resources are formed and trapped.
Strengthening expertise in structural geology will improve exploration, resource development, and the long-term sustainability of Ghana's mining sector. Professor Amponsah believes this conference is about capacity building, opening minds within both academia and industry. It fosters a deeper understanding of geological structures.
The conference saw strong participation from Ghana's mining industry, including Asante Gold Corporation, AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi Mine, and Turaco Gold. Their support reflects a growing recognition that scientific research increasingly drives exploration success. As easily accessible mineral deposits become scarcer, mining companies rely more on advanced geological models.
These models, structural analysis, and data science are crucial for identifying concealed ore bodies. Partnerships with institutions like the Centre for Exploration Targeting at the University of Western Australia further enhance Ghana's position. This collaboration helps establish Ghana as a regional research hub for geoscience.