Illegal mining affect nation's image - Aryee

Sunyani, July 19, GNA - Ms Joyce Rosalyn Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Mines has observed that activities of illegal miners on concessions of mining companies adversely affected the country's image as a safe investment destination. She said such activities also adversely impacted on the companies' ability to contribute to national development.

Ms Aryee made the observation during a courtesy call on Mr Abraham Kwadwo Kwakye, Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Minister in Sunyani. She suggested that part of the Mining Development Fund should be used to promote small-scale mining to prevent activities of illegal miners.

"Weaning the youth from illegal mining activities into small-scale mining has been one of the key challenges," she said and called on Government to facilitate the implementation of the law since small- scale mining would generate more jobs.

Ms Aryee explained that small-scale mining would not only provide employment for the youth in mining districts but engaged them in lawful commercial enterprise to contribute to national revenue through taxes and reduce environmental degradation.

She noted that activities of illegal miners was threatening lives of people in mining areas because the appropriate methods and chemicals were not used in their operations and degrade their operational areas and the environment.

Ms Aryee said illegal miners were found in underground operations of AngloGold Obuasi Mine as well as Bondai Shaft in Prestea and appealed to the Brong Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council to collaborate with the Mining Commission to stop the practice in the region.

Ms Aryee observed that many benefits could be derived from mining when the appropriate linkages were exploited because the industry created more social and employment opportunities in the development of human resources and other industries in rural communities. However, she called for policies and strategies to deepen the multiplying effects and benefits of the industry because of the positive impact of mineral export earnings on the balance of payment, foreign exchange reserves, monetary policy and business activities in the country.

Ms Aryee said mining would continue to play a central role in economic development and called on mining communities to endeavour to implement significant institutional restructuring and corporate principles of co-operative and shared responsibilities in the management of social and environmental issues.

She said the Chamber would continue to work with Government, chiefs, NGOs and stakeholders to promote environmental and socially responsible mining operations in the country. Mr Kwakye expressed appreciation for her visit to the region, saying contributions of the mining industry could not be underestimated since its revenue was crucial in the country's socio-economic development process.

He urged mining industries not to limit their social responsibilities to mining communities but endeavour to enhance development in other communities outside their operational areas. Mr Kwakye called on the public to co-operate with mining companies for smooth operations. 19 July 07