Mining companies unhappy with regulators

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called on the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, to address the long-standing conflict roles of the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission (IDMC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the Chamber, the directives from both regulatory agencies do not always converge and make compliance difficult for mining companies.

This, according to the Chamber, has affected the operations of mining companies, as the duplicity creates avoidable additional costs, for instance the Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs).

Kwame Addo-Kufuor, President of the Chamber of Mines, who made this known when members of the Chamber paid a courtesy call on the Prof. Frimpong Boateng in his office, said regulation of the mining industry is crucial to ensuring that mining improves the natural environment and lives of the members of the host communities.

He said the Chamber and its member companies endeavor to comply with the requisite statutory regulations from the two main regulatory agencies in the mining industry.

Mr. Addo-Kufuor said in order to preempt such outcomes, the Chamber in 2016 liaised with the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation to resolve the conundrum.

“A committee comprising representatives from both ministries, Minerals Commission, EPA and Chamber was set up to identify the conflicting areas of regulation and propose remedial measures,” Mr. Addo-Kufuor said.

He said whilst some progress has been made under the Chief Director of the MLNR, the Chamber is calling on Prof Frimpong Boateng to liaise with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to expedite action in addressing the numerous issues.