Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Chamber of Mines lauds President Mahama



The Ghana Chamber of Mines has commended President John Mahama for devising measures to fight the illegal mining menace in the country’s small-scale mining sector.

The President this year set up an inter-ministerial task-force headed by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister to investigate and end illegal mining activities which have attracted Chinese nationals in recent times.

Dr. Toni Aubynn, CEO of the Chamber of Mines speaking in an interview emphasised the need to resource small-scale miners to enable them to carry out mining in a coordinated and regulated manner.

“Laws governing businesses like small-scale mining must be respected, and I believe that is the import of Government’s action.”

He indicated that small-scale mining is the preserve of Ghanaians and the activities of the inter-ministerial task force is a good first step.

Dr. Aubynn encouraged Government to make capital available to the Ghanaian small-scale miners to prevent them from bringing in foreigners to mine on their behalf.

“It is important that capital is made available. I know Government made an effort some time ago to make available some capital to the small-scale miners to enhance their operations.

“I have proposed to the sector Minister to look at the rural banks who work closely with these artisanal miners to find ways of developing policies and have some arrangements that will enable them to raise capital for their business,” he said.

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