The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has admonished mining companies in the country, both large and small-scale mining firms to undertake their mining operations in a manner that reduces the risk of harm to the natural environment.

Speaking at the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ Biennial Expanded Council Conference, George Mireku Duker tasked the mining companies to deploy responsible mining measures in their activities at all times.

The Deputy Minister averred that adhering strictly to responsible mining practices will not only protect Ghana’s natural resources but also help the companies, the mining communities and the country enjoy optimal benefits from mining.

Whiles recognizing the contribution of the large-scale mining companies to the country’s economy, Honorable Mireku Duker emphasized the need for dedication and commitment to mining regulations.

“Responsible mining mantra is equally applicable to the large scale mining sector of the industry. Indeed, responsible economic activity has been recognized as a key means of spurring sustainable development by the private sector.

“Therefore, whiles acknowledging the economic contribution of the sector, being responsible also includes taking right decisions, complying with requirements, being accountable and liable to regulatory review and, in case of falling foul, to penalties.”
George Mireku Duker

Honorable Mireku Duker stated that the unfortunate and devastating effect of the Appiatse explosion should serve as a wake up call to all mining firms.

“The recent incident at Apiatse is still fresh in our minds. And unfortunate though it was, it presents us with the opportunity to deepen our sense of responsibility across all levels of mining operations so that we don’t get to erode the gains made so far.”
George Mireku Duker

The Deputy Minister then assured that the Ministry will continue to take initiatives that will facilitate responsible mining in the operations of both small and large scale mining firms.

Government seeks to re-engineer mining sector framework

According to Mr. Duker since assumption of office, government has sought to re-engineer the governance framework of the mining sector through diverse interventions in an attempt to sanitize the small- scale Mining subsector in particular.

The Deputy Minister disclosed also that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor, has since his appointment brought renewed impetus to the process through various initiatives aimed at whipping up a sense of responsibility in mining practices towards the natural environment.

“The recently held maiden Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards with a theme, ‘Promoting Responsible And Sustainable Mining’, was a deliberate attempt to encourage responsible mining practices in the SSM space.”
George Mireku Duker

According to George Mireku Duker, the theme for the conference, “Deepening The Responsible Mining Agenda to Promote Socio-Economic Development in Ghana”, therefore, aligns very well with government’s vision for the mining sector.

Also speaking at the event, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Eric Asubonteng, mentioned that the efforts of the Sector Minister, Samuel Jinapor in addressing some of the challenges facing the mining sector, is encouraging.

Mr. Asubonteng intimated that the strides made by the lands minister and his deputies in the mining sector fills him with confidence that the challenges facing the sector are surmountable.