We will bring efficiency into small-scale mining – Mineral’s Commission
Mr Ben Aryee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mineral’s Commission, has said he would bring more efficiency into small-scale mining and reduce its negative impact on the environment.
The policy of the government, he said, was to develop the industry to become as efficient as their large-scale counterparts, adding that it was for this reason that the Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NREG) Programme was being implemented.
Under this several areas are being geographically explored to find suitable grounds for these miners.
He noted that despite problems associated with both legal and illegal mining on small scale, the activity had significantly contributed to the national economy.
Its approximated gold production for last year was put at 800,000 ounces, representing 23 per cent of the total gold production.
It is also estimated to directly employ over 1,000,000 people with the same number or more directly or indirectly benefitting from this economic activity.
Mr Aryee was speaking at a day’s workshop to develop framework or blueprint for artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) at Bibiani.
In attendance were Metropolitan and District Chief executives, representatives of small scale miners associations, chiefs, assembly members and other stakeholders.
Mr Aryee said a national security sub-committee had been established to tackle illegal mining and logging.
He said the activities of both legal and illegal mining left much to be desired and invited all to help address the problem.
Mr Joe Adansi Bonda, District Chief Executive of Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, said the positive contribution of small scale mining to the economy was being negated by the significant environmental degradation, child labour, prostitution, drug abuse and growing truancy among school children.
“We believe there are good practices of mineral extraction with minimal harm to the environment and we must ensure that small scale miners observe these practices”, he said.
Source: GNA