Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Mining, George Mireku Duker, has commended Cape Coast Resources for their brave decision to part with some of their mining concession for government’s flagship Community Mining programme.

The Deputy Minister on behalf of the Sector Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, commended the company when he welcomed officials from Cape Coast Resources Limited and representatives from the Aowin Municipality led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Samuel Adu-Gyamfi to conclude discussions on the pact between the two parties and to further launch the CMS in the Municipality.

He admonished the mining company to have a written document detailing a well thought out negotiation with the leaders of the community to avoid unwarranted disagreements in the course of operations and to also ensure responsible mining which will serve the interest of the people and the country.

Furthermore, Mr Mireku Duker directed the technical team from the Ministry and the Minerals Commission to as a matter of urgency, get the place set up for the launch.

Also, he called on them to provide operational modalities which spells out regulations to adhere to best practices in the operations of the scheme under the small-scale mining architecture.

Describing the decision by the company as good news, Mr Duker expressed optimism that the scheme will fulfil government’s aspirations to create decent jobs for the teeming youth.

He further stated that scheme will ward off people from polluting waterbodies while reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Moreover, the deputy lands minister was quick to announce that as part of responsible small-scale mining practices under the scheme, government through the Ministry would support them with a mercury-free machine to extract the gold and without the use of mercury.

Cape Coast resources commits to community mining scheme

On his part, Daniel Wilson, Country Manager of Cape Coast Resources, reaffirmed the company’s readiness to cede part of its mining concession for the Community Mining programme.

He equally pledged the company’s willingness to foster closer collaboration with the locals of Ankaasi Community to make the programme a resounding success.

Moreover, he emphasized that his company looks forward to having all issues pertaining to licensing resolved to obtain an amicable relationship with the community members.

Other members present at the meeting were Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Advisor on Mining to the Minister, Mr. Peter Awuah, Technical Director, Mines and Mr. Bismark Quaynor, Cape Coast Resources, Administrator.

The ministry of lands and natural resources, along with government has undertaken community mining schemes across the country to among other things, help address the issue of illegal mining among the youth.

Earlier this year, two Community Mining Scheme (CMS) concessions were launched in the Ashanti region and expected to create 7,500 direct and an indirect job opportunities.

In an address at the launching ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mining, Mr. Mireku Duker, iterated the ministry’s continuous advocacy for responsible small-scale mining as it creates numerous job opportunities for Ghanaians.

He stated that the Manso-Nkwanta and Moseaso-Abransie CMS concessions would create 4,500 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs respectively, adding that “this will complement the more than one million jobs created for Ghanaians in the small-scale mining industry”.

While touting the lasting and beneficial impact of the Community Mining Scheme as a key tool in eliminating poverty in mining communities and creating local giants in the mining industry, the Deputy Minister rallied the chiefs and people of Manso-Nkwanta district and Ghanaians in general, to stand up against mining activities which are inimical to the country’s water bodies and environment.