Born in Suame in Kumasi, Ghana, Lilyrose Berko-Ampofo grew up hearing a familiar message from some men in her community: “Mining is not good for women.” Many discouraged young girls from pursuing education in mining. Lilyrose, however, was determined to challenge that narrative.
She began her education at St. George’s International School in Suame and later attended St. Monica’s Senior High School, where she studied General Science.
While in school, Lilyrose distinguished herself academically and was selected as one of five students to represent her school at the 2015 National Science and Maths Quiz. Although the team won at the district level, they were eventually defeated by Opoku Ware School at the regional competition. The experience strengthened her confidence and competitive spirit.
In 2017, Lilyrose began her undergraduate studies in Mining Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology – UMaT in Tarkwa, Ghana. She completed her degree in 2021.
During her time at UMaT, Lilyrose remained active beyond the classroom. She was a member of Enactus UMaT, the student chapter of Enactus Ghana, where she worked in the communications department and helped recruit new members.
She also participated in projects that converted food waste into biofuel and mosquito repellents to help address the incidence of malaria. In addition, she served on UMaT’s Women’s Commission from 2018 to 2019.
After graduation, Lilyrose joined Kinross Gold’s Chirano Mine as a Mining Engineer. She initially served her National Service there and later entered the mine’s Graduate Training Program. Within six months, she was promoted to Mine Planning Engineer.
At Chirano, Lilyrose worked underground alongside only one other woman. She was one of two women in the mine planning section of the Technical Services Department who regularly worked underground. Over the next three years, she supervised drilling and blasting activities while performing quality assurance and quality control work.
For Lilyrose, continuing her education had always been part of the plan, but she believed gaining practical mining experience first was important. In the early days of January 2025, she arrived in Rapid City, South Dakota, to begin a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (South Dakota Mines). Her graduate program is fully funded through a Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Mining Engineering & Management.
At South Dakota Mines, Lilyrose works with the Mine Optimization Lab on important research addressing water pollution and environmental risks associated with mining. Mining operations generate large volumes of wastewater that must be properly managed to prevent environmental contamination.
When poorly managed, mine wastewater containing toxic substances can enter water systems, posing long-term environmental and public health risks.
Lilyrose’s research focuses on the sustainable management and treatment of mine wastewater. She aims to develop approaches that reduce pollution of water systems and support environmentally responsible mining. The knowledge and skills she is developing have global relevance.
In Ghana and other countries, where mining activities have severely impacted water bodies, solutions like the ones she is studying could help mitigate environmental risks.
Alongside her academic work, Lilyrose remains committed to community engagement. She volunteers in outreach programs such as Girls Day and Girl Scout Day, helping to educate young students about mining and encouraging girls to consider careers in science and engineering.
She also serves as a Student Representative for Women in Mining at the Black Hills Chapter in South Dakota. In addition, she is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE), the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), and the South Dakota Mineral Industries Association (SDMIA).
Lilyrose does not want young girls in her community to face the same discouragement she once heard. Through her journey and achievements, she hopes to inspire them to pursue opportunities in mining and engineering. She envisions a mining industry that is more sustainable and environmentally responsible, and she is committed to contributing to its development.
By Kenneth Bansah, PhD, PE
