Policy proposal to classify medium-scale mining underway

The Minerals Commission says a policy proposal is underway to reclassify the module for small-scale mining operations in the country into artisanal mining, small-scale mining and medium-scale mining. 

The re-categorisation will ensure that the artisanal mining and small-scale mining categories continue to be the preserve of Ghanaian nationals only, while the medium-scale mining category will be open to foreign participation.

The outcome of the revised model is to ensure improved performance such as production, sustainable mining practices of the small-scale mining sub-sector, enhanced economic empowerment, and reduction in illegal mining. It will be aimed at improving management of the sub-sector and reducing illegal mining.

Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission speaking at a media encounter on the small-scale mining sub-sector in Ghana said: “The re-categorisation of mining in the country is long overdue, and every effort must be made to ensure this was done within the shortest possible time”.

Since the ultimate objective of the project is to regulate activities of small-scale miners in the country, there was a need to incentivise the various categories in order to encourage them to formalise their activities, which will ensure reviewing licencing requirements to make it easier for one to acquire a permit.

“Measures should be put in place to ensure strict compliance with environmental guidelines. All unlicenced miners should look forward to forming cooperatives so they can regularise their operations to enjoy technical assistance and supervision provided by government that enables them to operate in a conducive environment as well as mine profitably,” he said.

Dr. Aubynn explained that framers of the Small-Scale Mining Law-1989, (PNDCL 218) as amended by the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 and 703 purposely reserved small-scale mining operations for Ghanaians.

However, this laudable initiative by government has quite often been violated by some individuals who engage in illegal mining activities that have negative impacts on the environment, social, health and well-being of individuals in some parts of the country.

He cited a study conducted by ACET (2015) that revealed Ghana’s governance framework for the small-scale mining sector treats every operator equally, regardless of scale, technology utilised, and level of output. This, according to them, has been cited as partly responsible for the challenges facing the sector.