Small-scale miners asked to form large-scale mining company

The Minerals Commission has asked Ghanaian small-scale miners to form alliances that will see them become a large-scale operator in the country’s mining industry.

Board Chairman of the Commission, Samson Kwaku Boafo , who made the suggestion explained such a move would help enhance their income and also help the government achieve its agenda of Ghana Beyond Aid.

He observed Ghana’s mining industry has the potential of making the country economically independent if properly organized.

The Minerals Commission has been engaging small-scale miners on responsible mining devoid of destruction of water bodies and farmlands.

Mr. Kwaku Boafo, said government’s ban on small-scale mining would be lifted after it is done with streamlining activities of the miners.

He however called on the small-scale miners to join forces to venture into large-scale mining.

President of Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, Collins Osei Kusi, bought into the idea of forming alliances to start large-scale mining production, noting the will give it consideration.

He said the group would no longer tolerate mining activities that pollute water bodies.

The government in March 2017 placed a ban on all forms of small-scale mining activities as part of measures to clampdown on galamsey.

The ban is expected to be lifted in January 2018 but on condition the activities of the miners will be firmly regulated to ensure that water bodies are no more polluted.