Government to roll out new mining policy

Government will on Friday 14 December 2018, announce a new policy framework for regularizing and reforming mining activities in Ghana.
The ban on small-scale mining was imposed in March 2017 when it was observed that small scale mining was being used as a cover for irresponsible mining, as well as even illegal mining in many parts of the country.

*Background*

•The next phase to be announced by Dec 14th will spell out the new framework in which people who want to mine in accordance with the law and safe practice can do so.

• For all who want to mine, their focus should be on getting registered, getting licensed and operating within the confines of the new framework.

• We should not expect that the ban will be lifted for people to return to their old ways.

• The Govt wants you to mine. But you will have to do it lawfully and properly.

• An Inter-Ministerial Committee against Illegal Mining was established to supervise ban and the transition to the new legal and well-regulated mining regime. The committee has completed its work and received cabinet approval to roll out the new framework regarding small-scale mining.

• Note that what will be announced is a new framework within which the more than 3,000 newly trained former galamsey operators, as well as thousands more who are interested in mining can operate legally. It is not lifting the ban on small scale mining.

*The announcement will outline the following;*

• – How validated and legal responsible miners can mine after the 15th of December

• – Processes towards dredging and land reclamation in affected areas

• – Institutional reforms within the mining regulatory agencies.

• – Legal reforms in the mining sector

• – Efforts to avert a resurgence of illegal and irresponsible mining.

Source: thepressradio.com/Ghana/Shella Morcher