Reforming small-scale mining sector underway

The Minerals Commission is collaborating with the International Institute for Environment and Development to commence a reformation process within the Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) industry in the country.

The process will enable the Commission and stakeholders in the sector to ensure a major shift from an ASM sector that is driven by poverty and lack of options to ASM operations which run efficient businesses with adequate access to finance and better returns.

In the light of this, an outfit called the Learning and Leadership Group has been put together to lead this transformation drive in the sector.

Speaking at a media conference in Accra, Dr. Toni Aubynn-Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, said that miners must play an integral part in the reform process -- hence the inclusion of all within the sector-bracket as part of the whole agenda.

He added that the focus is to ensure that the ASM sector is moved from an insecure and dangerous sector, to a one that enjoys secure rights and provides safe and decent jobs to mineworkers; and as well accrues to the benefit of local communities.

Dr. Aubynn indicated that artisans and the small-scale mining sector contained an estimated 34% of the country’s gold production in 2014, and that the ASM sector can be improved to become an inclusive, responsible, right-based engine for growth in Ghana.

He mentioned that the participatory reforms process began in January at Tarkwa, where leaders took the decision to guide a process of transformation in the ASM sector following an action dialogue.

Dr. Aubynn however indicated that for the ASM sector to be what they envisaged it to be, there is need for a shift in policy and attitude in the way and manner small-scale mining activities are done, and called on ASM miners to be committed to improving their operations.

Amina Tahiru, a small-scale miner and coordinator of Women in Mmining at the Ghana Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), who called for commitment said: “We have to commit ourselves to responsible mining practices so we can have the respect of Ghanaian society. Many small-scale miners are already working hard to operate responsibly, and we want many more to do the same”.

She explained that civil society groups like the ASMAN have taken it upon themselves to support development of an environmentally friendly, sustainable and socially acceptable small-scale mining sector that can be a tool for poverty reduction, growth and development.

Nii Adjetey Kofi-Mensah, Head of the ASM Africa Network, said Learning and Leadership Group has developed an agenda for action: including demonstrating the business case for a responsible ASM; improving practices within the sector; and also building capacity and support across institutions to recognise ASM as a force that will push positive growth and equity.