Mining Companies in the country have been charged to priorities sustainable mining practices as the effects of climate change dawns on economies across the country.
Speaking at the 5th Ghana Mining Industry Awards, CEO of the Chamber of Mines, Sulemanu Koney warned that unsafe mining practices will be inimical to Ghana’s lands and natural resources.
“At the Chamber, we are particularly fastidious about our commitment to sustainable mining practices because it is our considered view that mining must enhance the lives of our people.
“People should begin to enumerate the impact of mining in their lives and be proud to share the good news with others. We must put our hands to the wheel to make the impact that we wish to see and feel,” he stated,
On his part, Minister for Business Development, Ibrahim Mohamed Awal, made a case for mining firms to be tax compliant.
“ Let us endeavour to pay more taxes even as we continue to impact the lives of the very communities we operate in. This is very necessary for national development and industrial revolution”.
The Awards night saw 19 mining companies and individuals honoured for the various contributions to the mining industry.
These include the Mining Personality Award which went to Alfred Baku, Executive Vice President of Gold Fields and the Mining Company of the Year going to Asanko Gold.
Joy News Latif Iddrisu, for the second year running, won the Best Mining Reporter award following his documentary on the resurgence if illegal small-scale mining across some mining communities.
“This award means a lot to me. The said documentary is evidence of the need for more surveillance across mining communities to end the scourge of illegal small scale mining,” the reporter said.
Other award winners were Gold Fields for Innovation, Golden Star Wasa Ltd for Occupational Health and Safety, Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine for Corporate Social Investment among others.