Government designates 13 blocked-out areas for small-scale mining to curb illegal mining

The government of Ghana has designated 13 blocked-out areas for small-scale mining to combat illegal mining practices. These areas have been designated by the Minerals Commission and will be studied for geological suitability before allocation. The move aims to promote responsible mining and protect the environment, as illegal mining often occurs in water bodies, forest reserves, and other protected lands, causing environmental degradation and posing risks to communities.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Maxwell Yao Akpene Klu, explained that the initiative addresses the root cause of illegal mining, known as galamsey, which results from the lack of designated mining zones. The provision of these 13 areas will offer opportunities to licensed small-scale miners who have undergone the necessary processes.

The government, under the leadership of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the CEO of the Minerals Commission, has been actively working on this issue. The Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) requires prospecting license holders to relinquish part of their concessions as exploration progresses, which will further help in moving away from chaotic and dangerous mining practices.

The Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP) has also acquired three Hybrid Multi-Rotor Drones equipped with Geomagnetic MagArrow magnetometers to conduct aeromagnetic surveys. This will enable the commission to assess the richness of the areas and facilitate sustainable mining practices. The collaboration between various stakeholders, including the GoldBod, UMaT, Ghana Geological Survey, and MDF, aims to create a comprehensive plan for the exploration and utilization of these blocked-out areas.

Once this process is completed, there will be ample opportunities for those interested in small-scale mining to engage in the activity safely and responsibly.