ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Mineralizations of Nb-Ta-Rb-Zr and rare-earth elements in Boziguoer, South Tianshan, NW China: Geochronology and geochemistry of monazite and bastnasite

The Boziguoer alkaline intrusion is located in the South Tianshan Orogenic Belt on the northern margin of the Tarim Craton. The intrusion is entirely mineralized and forms a super-large rare metal (RM) and rare-earth element (REE) deposit dominated by Nb-Ta-Rb, accompanied by Zr-REE. The primary RM minerals include pyrochlore, astrophyllite, and zircon, while the main REE minerals consist of fluocerite, monazite, xenotime, and bastnasite, ¨ which are commonly present as granular aggregates or singularly filling the interstices between gangue minerals. Through a combination of geochronological and geochemical analyses of different types of monazite and bastn¨ asite in the mineralized alkaline rocks, this study elucidates the role of magmatic hydrothermal evolution on the Boziguoer RM-REE mineralization and reconstructs the geochronological framework of alkalic magmatic-hydrothermal evolution and mineralization processes, as well as establishing mechanisms responsible for RM-REE enrichment. Petrographic observations and back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging revealed several types of monazite and bastnasite ¨ with different characteristics as follows: (1) type Ia monazite (Mnz-Ia) experienced intense hydrothermal alteration, forming residual cores of monazite mantled by apatite and allanite coronas; (2) type Ib monazite (Mnz-Ib) was partially eroded, forming concentric zoning patterns with a core of monazite, a mantle of apatite, and an outer rim of allanite coronas; (3) type II monazite (Mnz-II) is slightly modified, and commonly associated with fluorite; (4) bastnasite ¨ and fluocerite exhibit a core rim structure, with the core of fluocerite being brighter than the rim of bastnasite ¨ in BSE images. According to the paragenetic relationships and compositional variations, all two types of monazite are of primary magmatic origin, while bastn¨ asite is of hydrothermal origin. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) results indicate that Mnz-Ia and Mnz-Ib belong to the same group, different from Mnz-II. The latter has higher (Ce/Gd)N and (Th/U)N ratios, indicating relatively low-temperature crystallization of Mnz-II at late stages. In-situ LA-ICP-MS U-Th-Pb dating of monazite and bastn¨ asite show that Mnz-Ia and Mnz-Ib have ages of ca. 290 Ma, consistent with the zircon age of the intrusion, whereas the Mnz-II and bastnasite ¨ have younger ages of ca. 280 Ma, representing a post-magmatic hydrothermal mineralization event at Boziguoer. These new ages indicate that both magmatic and subsequent hydrothermal processes played critical roles in the RM-REE mineralization in this deposit. The latest findings also support the model that the formation of the alkaline belt where the Boziguoer ore-bearing intrusion was temporally and spatially linked to the Tarim Large Igneous Province that is genetically related to a mantle plume.

Source: UG
Mineralized Urbanization In Africa In The Twenty-First Century: Becoming Urban Through Mining Extraction

This article focuses on the urbanizing impact of the post-millennial mineral boom at artisanal and small-scale (ASM) or large-scale (LSM) mining sites in three mineral-rich countries, involving gold in Ghana, diamonds in Angola, and both minerals in Tanzania. The focus is on comparing the agency of miners and other residents migrating to settling in and making the mining site habitable. Their mobility and settlement patterns reveal an urbanization trend marked by population agglomeration and expansion. labour complexity, taking distinct forms at the rush and mature stages of gold and diamond ASM and LSM sites. Citing data from household surveys conducted at 12 mining sites, we trace how ‘mineralized urbanization’ propels in-migration, rising localized purchasing power, and proliferating service sector and trade activities, fueling both urban demographic and economic change along the mining extraction trajectory. LSM and ASM generate synergies as well as detractive forces, depending on the size, age and history of the mining settlement development. What emerges is the differential development of households and settlements through strategic economic manoeuvring and the rough and tumble of happenstance, underlined by a compelling, albeit fluctuating, trajectory of non-renewable mineralized urbanization

Source: UG
Mineralogy of dust deposited during the Harmattan season in Ghana

In Ghana, a dust-laden Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara in the period November to March. Some of the dust is trapped in the vegetation, in lakes and other inland waters, and a little on the bare land, whereas the rest of the dust is blown further away to the Ivory Coast or out into the Atlantic Ocean. In this project, we studied samples of dust and topsoils in various agroecological zones, from the north to the south of Ghana, focussing mainly on the mineralogy of these materials. Some data about grain sizes and morphology of the samples are also presented. Feldspars, together with quartz, are the common minerals found in Harmattan dust, but the relative contents of K-feldspars and plagioclase vary markedly in the different zones. This variation is consistent with changes in the relative content of the feldspars in the topsoil, indicating a substantial local contribution to the Harmattan dust. This conclusion is supported by the clay mineralogy of the samples. However the pH of the dust is significantly higher than that of the local soils, indicating that a substantial amount of the dust comes from the Sahara.

Source: UG
Mineralogy, geochemistry, and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes of the Paleoproterozoic granulite-facies metamorphic rocks from the Aketashitage area, southeastern Tarim Craton

The key to understanding the generation of mantle-derived magma and the formation of new continental crust is the recognition of the granulite-facies metamorphism, associated partial melting, and coeval magmatism that are documented in active continental margins. We firstly present a combined analysis of petrography, mineral chemistry, zircon U-Pb ages and hafnium (Hf) isotopes, in addition to whole-rock geochemistry on the garnet-biotite gneisses (Grt-Bi gneisses) and mafic granulites from the Aketashitage area, southeastern Tarim Craton. The implications of this analysis are discussed with respect to the thermal and tectonic evolution of the Tarim Craton. The Grt-Bi gneisses and mafic granulites are strongly peraluminous in composition and have flat REE patterns with negative Eu anomalies that are identical to those from the middle crust but higher than lower continental crust. Both the Grt-Bi gneisses and the mafic granulites have negative Nb-Ta anomalies, slightly positive Zr-Hf anomalies, and pronounced positive spikes in U and Pb. The characteristics in whole-rock geochemistry and mineral compositions indicate that the Grt-Bi gneisses and mafic granulites have the same source locality, which is most likely the garnet-bearing middle crust. The retrograde metamorphic P-T estimates for the Grt-Bi gneisses and mafic granulites are T = 574 °C; P = 7.0 kbar and T = 715 °C; P = 7.0 kbar, respectively. SIMS zircon U-Pb dating results reveal a large spread in metamorphic ages (2036–1962 Ma) for these granulite-facies rocks, interpreted to be the consequence of a large amount of magmas being added to the crust in an uninterrupted manner. Zircon Hf isotopes are characterized by variable but mostly negative εHf (t) values (−18.2 to −0.6), reasonably uniform Hf isotopic compositions, and highly variable TDMC model ages between 2628 and 3599 Ma, representing a long-lived reworking of the preexisting crust. Our data, along with available geological evidences, lead us to propose a model for the evolution of the Dunhuang Block in the Paleoproterozoic. That is, the southeastern margin of the Tarim Craton, the Dunhuang Block was possibly an active continental margin during the Paleoproterozoic. The steep subduction of oceanic slab resulted in the thickening of the continental crust, which in turn caused the crust anatexis. The increase in asthenosphere high heat flow and the intrusion of mantle-derived magma induced extensive heating, which preceded the granulite-facies metamorphism and coeval magmatism in the middle crust of the southern Tarim Craton.

Source: UG
Minimal coital dilution in Accra, Ghana

Background: Coital dilution, the reduction in the coital frequency per partner when an additional ongoing partner is added, may reduce the transmission potential of partnership concurrency for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Empirical estimates of dilution, especially dilution of sexual acts unprotected by condoms, are needed to inform prevention research. Methods: Sexually active adults in Accra, Ghana were recruited in a multistage household probability sample. Degree (number of ongoing partners), total acts, and unprotected acts were measured retrospectively for each month in the past year through an event history calendar. Random-effects negative binomial models estimated the association between degree and coital frequency. Results: Compared with person-months with a single partner (monogamy), 2.06 times as many total acts and 1.94 times as many unprotected acts occurred in months with 2 partners. In months with 3 partners, 2.90 times as many total acts and 2.39 times as many unprotected acts occurred compared with monogamous months. Total acts but not unprotected acts also declined with partnership duration. Conclusions: No dilution was observed for total acts with up to 3 concurrent partners, but a small amount of dilution was observed for unprotected acts for months with multiple concurrencies. This suggests moderate selective condom use in months with multiple concurrencies. The implications of the observed dilution for future HIV transmission must be investigated with mathematical models. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Source: UG
Minimal model analyses of beta cell secretion, insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness in glucose tolerant, non-diabetic first-degree relatives of Ghanaian patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy control subjects

Objective: We have examined the importance of positive family history of type 2 diabetes on serum glucose, insulin sensitivity, and beta cell secretion in native West Africans (Ghanaians) who reside in their native country. Research and Methods: We evaluated the beta cell secretion, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity (Si), and glucose effectiveness (Sg) in 42 healthy non-diabetic first-degree relatives of Ghanaian patients with type 2 diabetes (26 females and 16 males) and in 22 healthy control subjects without a family history of type 2 diabetes (12 females and 10 males) living in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. A standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance (FSIGT) test were performed in each subject. Si and Sg were measured using Bergman's minimal model method. Results: During oral glucose challenge, fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels were not significantly different between the relatives and healthy controls. Mean serum insulin and c-peptide responses after oral glucose tolerance test at t = 60, 90 and 120 minutes (P<.05) were significantly greater in the relatives than in the healthy controls. During the FSIGT, the mean serum glucose responses did not differ. Mean total and acute first and second phases of serum insulin and c-peptide responses were greater in the relatives than in the healthy controls. We found that the Si tended to be lower in the relatives than in the controls, but the mean difference did not vary significantly between the two groups. In addition, the glucose effectiveness at basal insulin level (Sg) was not significantly different in the relatives and healthy controls. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that hyperinsulinemia and a tendency to lower insulin sensitivity (insulin resistance), but not altered glucose effectiveness, are found in healthy non-diabetic, first-degree relatives of Ghanaian patients with type 2 diabetes as compared to healthy subjects living in their native country. We conclude that genetic factors could play a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes in indigenous Ghanaians residing in their native country.

Source: UG
Minimal variation in a vaccine candidate from the sexual stage of plasmodium falciparum.

L'antigène de surface de 25 KDa (Pfs25) des zygotes et askinetes est un premier candidat pour un vaccin bloquant la transmission. On a récemment isolé le gène codant Pfs25. L'explication la plus probable du manque de variation de l'antigène est que Pfs25 n'est exprimé que lorsque le parasite est chez le moustique

Source: UG
Minimizing the Impact of the Triple Burden of COVID-19, Tuberculosis and HIV on Health Services in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Mining and conflict in the Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom in the Eastern Region of Ghana, 1919-1938

This paper provides an overview of the conflict involving the Okyenhene Ofori Atta I and two of his subordinate chiefs, Kwaku Amoah of Asamankese and Odikro Kwame Kuma of Akwatia, in colonial Ghana. Popularly referred to in Ghanaian historiography as the "Asamankese Crisis", this conflict was triggered by the discovery and subsequent exploitation of diamonds in the township of Akwatia. It is argued that the quest for resource control in the Akyem Abuakwa traditional area proved to be a major driver of social conflicts in Ghana during the period under study. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

Source: UG
Mining as a Factor of Social Conflict in Ghana

Post-colonial Africa has witnessed a phenomenal increase in conflicts mostly arising out of disagreements over a variety of issues including land, chieftaincy, resource allocation, environmental degradation etc. The West African sub-region has had its fair share of these upheavals notably in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and La Côte d’Ivoire. Ghana is among the few countries in West Africa perceived to be an oasis of peace in a region otherwise characterised by civil wars, rebel activities and general instability. But this image about Ghana only masks a festering wound of communal violence, inter-ethnic conflicts and armed confrontations in the Northern part of the country. The root causes of these conflicts which have almost become persistent are largely traceable to the introduction of secular political authority (Chieftaincy) in areas which before colonisation were said to be stateless or acephalous. This article argues that northern Ghana is not the only place in the country where conflicts erupted or occurred and that the quest for resource control in the Gold and diamond impregnated areas in the south was also a factor of social conflicts in Ghana during the precolonial, colonial and post-colonial periods. This paper’s primary concern is to interrogate related issues and explore the prevailing debates

Source: UG
Mining in a changing climate: What scope for forestry-based legacies?

This paper provides an interdisciplinary perspective on mine reclamation in forested areas of Ghana, a country characterised by conflicts between mining and forest conservation. A comparison was made between above ground biomass (AGB) and soil organic carbon (SOC) content from two reclaimed mine sites and adjacent undisturbed forest. Findings suggest that on decadal timescales, reclaimed mine sites contain approximately 40%of the total carbon and 10%the AGB carbon of undisturbed forest. This raises questions regarding the potential for decommissioning mine sites to provide forestry-based legacies. Such a move could deliver a host of benefits, including improving the longevity and success of reclamation,mitigating climate change and delivering corollary enumeration for local communities under carbon trading schemes. A discussion of the antecedents and challenges associated with establishing forest-legacies highlights the risk of neglecting the participation and heterogeneity of legitimate local representatives, which threatens the equity of potential benefits and sustainability of projects. Despite these risks, implementing pilot projects could help to address the lack of transparency and data which currently characterises mine reclamation. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Mining in Ghana and its connections with mining in the Brazilian diaspora

Based on a review of primary and secondary data, supplemented by oral tradition, this paper shows that there was direct technology transfer, through the Trans- Atlantic slave trade, from Obuasi in Ghana's Ashanti Region to Sabará Region in Mina Gerais, Brazil. The two regions were linked through African technical knowledge. The findings show that Africans have had a long tradition of technology which today has helped transformed communities in the Brazilian diaspora. Interactions also brought about cultural affinity between the peoples of Ghana and Brazil. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UG
Mining in Green Technology Space-Perspectives of Multinational Mining Companies in Ghana

This qualitative study explores the motivation for and trends in the adoption of green technology among multinational mining companies in Ghana. Multinational mining companies are noted as massive waste generators and energy consumers. As mining activities increase, the risk of greater environmental pollution and degradation also looms. However, a green mining technology across mine life cycles emphasizes the need for judicious utilization of resources and reduction in the effects of mining activities on communities. The adoption of green technology processes and procedures in mine work environments, constitute greater effort towards achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices. Drawing on a qualitative case study methodology, primary data were collected from selected officials of multinational mining companies in Ghana using in-depth interviews. The paper documents green technology awareness messages across various mines and explore the motivating factors for adoption of green mining technologies. The paper also provides an understanding of the fad of green technology adoptions among the multinational mines, which contributes to the reduction in the effects of mining operations on mine workers and local communities. The paper has practical implications on grounds of highlighting sustainable mining, a reduction in pollution and degradation of the environment, promoting awareness on safety and health among individual mine workers, and mining communities. The work recommends green technology adoption as a priority to leverage lean production across the multinational mines in Ghana.

Source: UG
The Mining Industry in Ghana Blessing or Curse.

Mining has become a controversial business everywhere. Issues of mining are in the wake because of the increasing demands for mineral products and diminishing nature of such minerals in the West. This seemingly opportunity for developing countries like Ghana which have mineral deposits comes with its accompanying repercussions. This paper looks at the general mining environment as a whole, narrowed down to developing countries with emphasis in the Ghanaian context. The impact and contributions of the sector to the economy, as well as the emerging trends of the industry in Ghana in terms of law enforcement are touched on. This conceptual paper identifies that with the international mining industry becoming more cosmopolitan, developing countries will have to develop a competitive mining regime based on greater economic equality, mutual benefit and in accordance with generally accepted notions of fairness.

Source: UG
Mining safely: examining the moderating role of safety climate on mineworkers’ mental health and safety behavior nexus

Purpose – The study aims to investigate the impact of anxiety and depression (dimensions of mental health) on mineworkers’ safety behaviors (safety compliance and safety participation) while examining the moderating role of safety climate on these relationships. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research approach with an explanatory cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. A total of 274 purposively selected mineworkers participated in the study. Responses were obtained from participants through a structured questionnaire which was analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling. Findings – Anxiety had a significant negative effect on safety compliance but not participation. However, depression was found to have a significant negative effect on both mineworkers’ safety compliance and participation behaviors. The findings of the study also show that safety climate moderates the relationships between the dimensions of mental health and mineworkers’ safety behavior except for the relationship between anxiety and mineworkers’ safety participation behavior. Originality/value – The study offers an account of the negative effect of mental health on mineworkers’ safety behavior whiles highlighting that safety climate is an important construct to mitigate the negative effects of mental illness on the safety behaviors of mineworkers.

Source: UG
Ministerial Appointments and Government Expenditure in Developing Democracies: A Case Study of Ghana’s Fourth Republic

Every government desires to be efficient to be able to provide basic services for the total welfare of the citizens they seek to govern. But what makes for an efficient government? Big- or small-size government? This issue reflects widespread criticisms of governments in Ghana under the Fourth Republican dispensation, namely, that these governments have through ministerial appointments unduly expanded the frontiers of the state while at the same time touting the virtues of privatization. Indeed, the constitutional provision that empower governments to appoint ministers, section 78 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, does not set an upper limit. As a result of this constitutional lapse, governments have appointed too many ministers culminating in the increase of the size of government. Using Ghana as a case study, but with emphasis on the Fourth Republic, this paper examines the concept of big government and its effect on government expenditure. It also makes appropriate recommendations for a small sized government capable of delivering quality services to the people without incurring much cost to the state and the entire citizenry

Source: UG