The Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM) has been a key stakeholder in Ghana’s mining sector, advocating for responsible mining practices, including small-scale mining (SSM). In 2008, the Chamber addressed several issues related to small-scale mining, which has been both an important livelihood source and a challenge due to illegal activities (*galamsey*).
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Key Points from the Ghana Chamber of Mines (2008) on Small-Scale Mining:
1. Formalization & Regulation
– The Chamber supported efforts to formalize small-scale mining by ensuring miners operated within legal frameworks (under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)).
– Called for stricter enforcement against illegal mining (*galamsey*), which was causing environmental degradation and revenue losses.
2. Environmental & Safety Concerns
– Highlighted the dangers of unregulated SSM, including mercury pollution, land degradation, and unsafe working conditions.
– Advocated for better training and support for legal small-scale miners to adopt safer practices.
3. Economic Contributions
– Recognized SSM as a significant contributor to local employment and livelihoods but stressed the need for sustainable practices.
– Encouraged partnerships between large-scale mining companies and small-scale miners to improve efficiency and compliance.
4. Conflict with Large-Scale Miners
– Addressed encroachment issues where illegal miners operated on concessions of large-scale mines, leading to conflicts.
– Proposed dialogue between stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions.
5. Government & Policy Engagement
– Urged the government to streamline licensing processes for small-scale miners while cracking down on illegal operations.
– Supported initiatives like the Minerals Commission’s efforts to demarcate zones exclusively for small-scale mining.
Current Relevance (Post-2008 Developments)
– The issues raised in 2008 remain relevant today, with ongoing challenges in regulating SSM.
– The government has since introduced measures like:
– The Community Mining Scheme (CMS).
– Ban on *galamsey* operations at times.
– Use of military task forces (*Operation Halt*) to curb illegal mining.
– The Chamber c.jpg)
inues to advocate for responsible SSM as part of Ghana’s broader mining strategy.
Conclusion
The Ghana Chamber of Mines in 2008 emphasized the need for a balanced approach—supporting legal small-scale mining while combating illegal activities that