The Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has commissioned the first-ever MDF Modular Sustainable Mining Turnkey Initiative (MDF-MSMTI) in Kenyasi No.1, Ahafo Region, on Thursday, 4th December 2025.
The project, commissioned by the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, marks the beginning of a transformed mining landscape, one built on environmental sustainability, technological innovation and community prosperity.
The launch attracted a high-profile delegation of dignitaries including Honourable Regional Ministers from Ahafo, Bono and Western North Regions, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, Heads of Security agencies, civil society organisations, representatives from Newmont, and international observers, signifying broad national support for a redesigned transformative and sustainable mining future.
The MDF-MSMTI, is being implemented in partnership with RoyzGold 92 Ltd. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Bisiw-Kotei described the commissioning of the RoyzGold Eco-Dig Modular Sustainable Mining Site as “a turning point in our collective quest to make Ghana’s small-scale mining sector cleaner, safer and more sustainable.”
She emphasised that the initiative is not just a pilot project, but rather the beginning of a permanent solution to Ghana’s longstanding challenge of environmental damage and health risks caused by uncontrolled illegal mining practices.
At the core of the MDF-MSMTI is advanced mining technology that eliminates mercury and cyanide usage, while employing closed-loop water recycling systems. These features drastically reduce pollution of water bodies, prevent contamination of soils and protect surrounding farmlands and communities.
Beyond environmental transformation, the initiative has strong social and economic outcomes. Dr. Bisiw-Kotei highlighted that the new site will operate a 24-hour system, creating direct employment opportunities in land restoration, engineering, environmental monitoring, health and safety and maintenance of green technologies. This aligns with the government’s 24-hour economy programme, offering consistent labour opportunities for young people in mining regions.
One of the most notable achievements of the project is its 100% Ghanaian engineering success. From conception to execution, the site’s installation draws solely on local expertise. Local engineering firm, Lionking Engineering, received commendation for the design and assembly of world-class mining machinery including crushers, ball mills and trommel systems.
According to Dr. Bisiw-Kotei, this achievement affirms that “Ghanaians have the vision, knowledge and capability to transform our economy for the benefit of all.”
The initiative has already earned support from the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), who endorsed it as a model that proves that small-scale mining can be both profitable and environmentally responsible.
RoyzGold 92 Ltd., the first company to operate under the MDF-MSMTI, was singled out for pioneering a mining system that prioritises land renewal instead of land degradation.
Across Ghana, mining and environmental regulators, district assemblies, and traditional leaders have endorsed this new model as the blueprint for redressing the negative effects of illegal mining.
The commissioning of the MDF-MSMTI, also aligns with the MDF’s core mandate, to ensure that citizens in mining-affected areas benefit directly from mineral revenue.
Since its establishment in 2016 by H. E. President John Mahama, the MDF has invested in infrastructure, education, health care and alternative livelihood projects. However, Dr. Bisiw-Kotei underscored that this initiative advances the MDF’s mandate to its highest expression; transforming how mining itself is conducted.
“As we commission this site today, let it serve as a beacon of hope. Responsible and sustainable mining in Ghana is no longer a dream; it is now a reality,” she declared.
The MDF-MSMTI is set to be rolled out in other mining communities, making replication a key goal. By combining green mining technology, local capacity building, and environmentally conscious land use, the initiative provides Ghana with a globally competitive mining framework.
The inauguration in Kenyasi signals the dawn of a new mining era that prioritises environmental stewardship, public health, innovation and economic empowerment, bringing mining communities from deprivation to restored value.
Source: Minerals Development Fund
