Dr Sulemanu Koney, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM), has urged the Human Resources (HR) Departments of the mining companies to play leading roles in driving sustainability initiatives within the mining sector. He said aside from addressing workforce-related challenges, sustainability issues must occupy the attention of the HR departments of the mining companies. Speaking at the GCM 6th Biennial Conference on Human Resources Management in the Mining Industry, Dr Koney said sustainable mining practices were increasingly becoming a priority for governments, communities, and investors. The two-day conference being attended by professionals of the human resources departments of the member companies of GCM is on the theme: 'Navigating the New Normal: HR Innovations for Sustainable Mining.' 'As HR progress has grown, a unique position to influence the behaviours and mindsets of employees is to align with sustainable goals. Whether it is through environmental stewardship, com munity engagements, or ethical labour practices, HR must be at the forefront of integrating sustainability into the core values of mining operations,' he stated. Dr Koney said the focus on sustainability would not only enhance the mining industry's reputation but also ensure its long-term viability. 'You are the custodians of our greatest assets, our people. The future and sustainability of our industry will be shaped by how well we monetise, embrace, change, and cultivate the culture of sustainable mining,'he said. Dr Koney said HR professionals must be proactive in upscaling and reskilling the workforce to prepare for the future, saying 'It is therefore essential that we develop talent strategies that are aligned with the future needs of our industry.' He said the integration of automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics into mining processes was already transforming how the industry worked. 'We need to invest in training programmes that equip our workforce with the skills they need to thr ive in an increasingly digital world. Equally important is fostering a culture of innovation. The mining industry, through tradition in many respects, must embrace innovation as a driver of competitiveness and sustainability,' Dr Koney stated. The CEO GCM said the HR Departments must create environments where creativity and new ideas are encouraged. 'We can unlock the potential for breakthrough advancements that will keep our sector at the forefront of global mining.' The President of the GCM, Mr Edem Akafia, in his keynote address, said the GCM had supported the University of Mines and Technology to promote pieces of research that are critical to the growth of the mining sector. It has also helped to develop the critical talents and the necessary workforce for the mining sector, He said considering the success of the programme, the GCM was funding the second phase of the programme in the next five years and had allocated $2 million for the programme. Source: Ghana News Agency