Small scale miners, UMaT sign MoU

As part of measures to boost cooperation between industries and universities to promote sustainable small-scale mining in Ghana, the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa in the Western region.

The move is to help promote best mining and processing practices, environmental care and general wellbeing of all stakeholders in the small-scale mining sector. The MoU will also enable members of the association to acquire professional training to build their capacity in mining technologies.

At a ceremony to officially sign the MoU in Tarkwa on Tuesday, Osei Kusi, President of the GNASSM revealed that the association had also set up a task force to monitor and evaluate activities and methods of mining by the members to ensure sustained improvement in the sector.

It was on the theme, “Promoting Sustainable Small Scale Mining in Ghana –the Role of Stakeholders.” He commended President John Mahama for constituting the Inter-Ministerial Task Force to deal with the illegal mining canker and the degradation of the environment.

Mr. Kusi stressed the need to give small-scale mining the necessary support. He mentioned unavailability of minable lands, start-up capital, as well as long period of licensing processes as some of challenges facing small scale miners.

“The small-scale mining sector is an industry of promise and challenges and if we are able to deal with the challenges properly, we will be capable of harnessing the full potential of the industry for the country’s development,” he added.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini regretted that even though small-scale mining was the preserve of Ghanaians, some small-scale miners were allegedly aiding some foreign nationals to embark on ‘galamsey’ operations in the country’s water bodies.

“Mining is not intended to reduce poverty of foreign nationals and so if you connive with foreigners to take away our precious minerals, then you are helping to reduce poverty in their countries,” he told the miners.

He noted that mining was an ancient occupation, adding “our ancestors never allowed mining to take place in water bodies because they served as their source of dirking water.”

Prof. Jerry Kumah, Vice Chancellor of UMat stressed the need to regulate the activities of small scale miners to help curtail environmental degradation. He indicated that there was very little difference in the activities of small-scale miners and illegal miners also called “galamsey” operators.

He therefore called on small-scale miners to take advantage of the collaboration with UMat to build their capacity in mining technologies.