Operate strictly within the mining laws- miners urged

A Senior Principal Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission, Mr. Peter Hodgson, has urged small-scale miners to operate strictly within the mining laws and regulations.

This, he said, is necessary to ensure safety and protection of the environment. There is also the need for closer cooperation between the miners and the commission to ensure that the proper things are done.

Mr. Hodgson, who made the call through the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, on Thursday, described as deeply worrying the flagrant disregard for the Minerals Act and the attendant degradation of the environment.

The destruction of the vegetation, water bodies and timber resources through the activities of miners could not be allowed to continue, and asked prospective small-scale miners to seek technical advice from the commission and ensure that their operations are properly regularized.

Mr. Hodgson said the commission would do everything within its mandate to promote best mining practices - pertaining to the environment, reclamation of the land and acquisition of the right documents.

They are liaising with the environmental protection agency and other stakeholders to restore some level of sanity.

He said educational programmes would also be undertaken by way of workshops and community engagements to maintain acceptable standards.