The Tarkwa Mine Manager of Gold Fields Ghana, Dr. Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor, has been adjudged Mining Personality of the Year at the 11th Ghana Mining Industry Awards, held in Accra over the weekend.
The ceremony, organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines under the theme “Celebrating Excellence in Mining: Creating Value Beyond Minerals,” recognised individuals and organisations demonstrating outstanding leadership in safety, innovation, technology, community development, gender inclusion, and responsible mining.
In a post shared on her social media pages after receiving the award, Dr. Kuupol-Kuutor described the moment as surreal and deeply fulfilling.
“Wow, what an incredible feeling! I’m still on cloud nine and overwhelmed with excitement after being named Mining Personality of the Year at the 11th Ghana Mining Industry Awards on Friday,” she wrote.
She noted that the recognition symbolises not only her efforts, but also the support she has received from colleagues within Gold Fields and across the mining industry, as well as the influence of her late brother, to whom she dedicated the award.
“This award is extra special as it’s a celebration of not just my work but the unwavering support I’ve received from friends and colleagues at Gold Fields, the mining industry, as well as my late brother. I’m certain that he is smiling down on me with pride and I dedicate this achievement to his memory, which continues to inspire me every day,” she said.
Dr. Kuupol-Kuutor, who becomes the first woman to win the Mining Personality of the Year award, expressed hope that her achievement would motivate more girls to venture into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
“I’m honoured to be the first female to receive this award and I’m committed to inspiring more young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields,” she added.
She extended appreciation to the Chamber of Mines and her employers, saying:
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ghana Chamber of Mines for this recognition, to Gold Fields for believing in my potential and to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey.”
Dr. Kuupol-Kuutor has been celebrated for her transformative leadership at both the Tarkwa and Damang mines, where she has led initiatives that boosted gold recovery and strengthened operational efficiency.
A metallurgist with more than two decades of experience, she previously served as the first female Metallurgical Manager for both the Tarkwa and Damang mines. She has also advocated for women’s participation in STEM fields, mentoring students and young professionals entering the industry.
Dr. Kuupol-Kuutor holds a PhD and Master of Science in Mineral Engineering from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, and a Diploma in Mineral Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). She was named Female Mining Professional of the Year at the Ghana Mining Industry Awards in 2019.
Source: kumasimail.com
