In recent months, several IM4DC Fellows have undertaken extended activities in Australia to conduct research and build knowledge in key aspects of mining for development.
One such Fellow is Kwame Boamah, Head of Geophysics and Information Management Division, from the Geological Survey Department, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana.
As part of his IM4DC Fellowship program, Kwame spent four weeks working at the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) at The University of Western Australia (UWA). Kwame’s research focuses on petrographic studies and chemical analysis of rock samples of the Neoproterozoic of Ghana with an emphasis on establishing the correlation between mineral occurrence and geologic/ tectonic history of the Neoproterozoic of Ghana.
The IM4DC Fellowship program involves influential stakeholders visiting Australia to work with counterparts, undertake education and research activities, and develop policy approaches. Fellows are individuals with the capacity to implement the outputs of their fellowship to bring about lasting and significant change in their home country.
IM4DC E-news spoke to Kwame.
- What are you hoping to achieve by participating in the IM4DC Fellowship Program?
Firstly I hope to complete, along with Professor Mark Jessell, our paper for publication on the paleochannel in the Voltaian Basin. The paleochannel was the result from our interpretation of the airborne geophysical data from the European Union funded Mining Sector Support Program (MSSP). The paleochannel may hold potential for diamonds, gold, platinum etc.
Secondly, I also hope to familiarise myself with the work of the Geological Survey of Western Australia.
- What knowledge and skills do you expect to gain from this experience?
I expect to see an improvement in my GIS skills, and learning of techniques in exploration targeting. I hope to improve my knowledge and skills in geological interpretation of regional geophysical datasets.
- Do you maintain professional working relationships with Australian people or institutions? Or do you plan to?
I have been working with the CET on the West African Exploration Initiative (WAXI) for the past five to six years. I also have participated in the Geohost program sponsored by Australian Aid for African geoscientists to participate in the 35th International Geological Congress in Brisbane in 2013. In addition, I have also been involved in the activities of IM4DC since a Sustainable Mining Workshop in Accra in September 2013, during the inauguration of the Centenary Celebration of the Geological Survey Department of Ghana.
- How do you plan to maintain your relationship with IM4DC and CET, UWA when you return to Ghana?
I plan to maintain my relationship with IM4DC through the alumni activities in Ghana and through M4DLink. I also plan to continue to collaborate with CET, through the WAXI phase III, which will be launched in Dakar soon.
- How do you plan to apply your learning’s on return to your home country?
I plan to apply the techniques acquired in exploration targeting to different areas of the Voltaian Basin for its mineral prospectivity and to share the new knowledge that I have acquired with my colleagues in the Geological Survey Department in Ghana.