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The CEO of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Justina Nelson, emphasised the need for sustainable mining practices to protect the ecosystem. She stated that sustainability is vital for long-term profitability in Ghana’s mining industry and industry players should reconsider their operations to safeguard the environment, according to a report by GhanaWebTV on October 22, 2025. Louisa Quarcoo, speaking on behalf of Justina Nelson, at the 6th Africa Sustainability Report and Think Energy SDGs Awards in Accra, under theme: “The Future of Mining: How Sustainability Can Drive Long-Term Profitability” stressed MIIF’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and urged mining stakeholders to align profitability with their environmental and social responsibilities. The event was attended by government officials, industry leaders, and advocates for sustainability, among other notable figures. She explained that Ghana’s mining sector must adapt to the growing global demand for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt while protecting ecosystems, water sources and empowering communities. “In today’s climate-resilient world, profitability and responsibility are no longer mutually exclusive. The future of mining lies in integrating sustainable practices that not only protect the environment but also improve operational performance and social trust,” she added. The MIIF CEO highlighted local issues, noting a warning from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) about potential shutdowns of water treatment plants due to pollution from illegal mining. She noted that this situation has prompted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to order an immediate halt to all illegal mining near water bodies, underscoring the urgency of the issue. “Illegal activities like galamsey are not distant problems; they are urgent realities that threaten Ghana’s water security, public health, and economic stability,” she cautioned. Nelson also highlighted a recent meeting led by President John Dramani Mahama with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as evidence of his commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting the ecosystem, commending mining companies investing in renewable energy, electric and hydrogen-powered fleets and precision mining technologies. These innovations, she explained, reduce carbon emissions, minimise water use and boost profitability by lowering costs and increasing efficiency; however, sustainability should also create shared value for local communities. “Leading companies are investing in skills development, infrastructure, and inclusive governance. This isn’t charity, but a smart, strategic investment in long-term operational security,” she added. MIIF’s sustainability efforts focus on its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy, which includes seven core performance standards, such as labour practices, pollution prevention, biodiversity conservation, and Indigenous rights and conducts ESG risk assessments on its investments to ensure sustainable impacts. The Fund requires investee companies to submit detailed ESG risk assessments and management plans, which are monitored throughout the investment lifecycle; it emphasises that although implementing sustainable practices needs upfront investment, they result in better long-term economic gains through cost savings, premium pricing, reduced regulatory risk and increased stakeholder trust. “As the world decarbonizes and global mineral demand increases, sustainability is not just a compliance issue; it’s a value-creation strategy. “At MIIF, our mission is clear: to convert Ghana’s mineral wealth into lasting value for future generations. The future of mining is not about extracting more, but about creating more responsibly, sustainably, and profitably,” she concluded. ‘Sustainable mining is the future’ – Louisa Quarcoo
