Surface mining to be phased out in future

Teberiebie (W/R), Oct 2, GNA- Mr Eben Nii Sackey, Chief Inspector of Mines, on Thursday said surface mining is likely to be phased out as its continuous existence depends on gold ore on land surface. He said this at a durbar organised by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) at Teberiebie near Tarkwa to ascertain the problems encountered by the inhabitants as a result of mining activities in the area.

The durbar formed part of the activities marking this year's celebration of International Day on Disaster Reduction that has the theme "Living with Risks - Turning the tide on disaster for sustainable development."

Mr Sackey said the gold ore on the surface of land is not as rich as that exploited in deep layers of the earth. ''It has been proven that good quality gold ore are found in deeper layers of the earth.'' He said the reason why surface mining has become popular is that its technology is relatively cheaper than underground mining, which is capital intensive. Mr Sackey said the Ashanti Goldfields Limited adopted surfacing mining at its Obuasi Mine but now ore on the surface of the land is almost exhausted so the future of the mine is in underground mining.

Mr Sackey said it is costly to repair the damage being done to the environment through surfacing mining. On mining in forest reserves he said it is mostly people in industrialised countries who are agitating against it but the country must tap all available resources to achieve the same level of development as the developed countries.

He said illegal gold mining ''galamsey'' is a menace but as it has become a "necessary evil" those engaged in it should be trained in the proper way of mining to lessen the effects of their activities. Prof E. Ofori-Sarpong, Pro Vice-chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon, advised children in mining areas to attend classes and take their studies seriously. He expressed regrets that many children in such areas are out of school because of the attractions of ''galamsey'' and said such an action would eventually put children at a disadvantage. The inhabitants called on mining companies to employ local people and offer scholarships to communities in which they operate.