Cabinet studies draft national mining policy

The draft National Mining Policy, which was subjected to extensive stakeholder consultations, is currently being studied by Cabinet, Mr. Mike Allen Hammah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has disclosed.

The policy document, expected to be ready by the end of the year, is to ensure that mining-promotion results in a win-win situation for government, local communities and investors.

It will help promote diversification of minerals development with greater potential for linkages with other sectors of the economy, and guide government in its management of the mining and minerals sector.

The policy was initiated in 1999 and went through various stakeholder consultations and independent review in 2001, now reaching its current final-draft stage. 

“To complement the Mining Policy, specific and targetted policies are being initiated to promote diversification of minerals development with greater potential for linkages with other sectors of the economy,” said Mr. Hammah at the National Mining Forum in Accra.

He observed that the negative social and environmental impact of mining outweighs any economic benefits mining could provide, though there are strong advocates for the potential of the sector as a developmental tool -- citing the wealth and economic development that has been created from mining in some industrialised countries.

“Achieving the desired net positive impact will require effective management of the mineral resources the country was endowed with, and on a sustainable basis,” Mr. Hammah stressed.

Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of the Mineral Commission-- lead promoters of the policy -- told B&FT that the policy will provide a framework to ensure the country’s mineral endowment is managed in a sustainable economically, socially and environmentally accepted standard. 

Mr. Aryee said: “In order to achieve these objectives, government recognises there is need to establish a clear, comprehensive and forward-looking national policy that will govern regulation and development of the mining sector.” 

“Government also recognises that the national mining policy must provide for the establishment of an enabling environment for investors, which is based upon modern regulatory arrangements and sufficiently attractive terms.

“While seeking to encourage investment, there is also a need to ensure that mineral operations are conducted responsibly. Government considers that neglect of the environment and harm to local communities as a result of mining operations is not acceptable.

“The intention is therefore that the country secures the full economic and social benefits mining development promises, in an environmentally and socially responsible manner,” Mr. Aryee stated.