Miners take steps to bring sanity into their operations

The Bibiani branch of National Small-Scale Miners Association, has taken steps to bring sanity into the operations of members and halt the pollution of river bodies and destruction of the environment in their operational areas.

It had therefore set up a task force to monitor and ensure that their activities are consistent with globally accepted best practices. Obarima Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the Association, said the body would not compromise on environmental safety and that those who breached mining regulations should be ready to face the law.

He said members are also determined to go at length to assist in flushing out those engaged in illegal mining in the area. Obarima Adu-Gyamfi was speaking at a meeting held for members of the Association, Minerals Commission and the Hyundai Heavy Industries Company Limited at Bibiani.

Hyundai Industries has been renting mining equipment including excavators, skid-steer loaders, crawlers and backhoe loaders to registered small-miners in the area.

Mr Clemence Adzormahe, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Officer of Minerals Commission, warned members of the Association against operating without license from the appropriate state institutions. He urged the miners to put premium on mining safety to prevent accidents.