Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mining, George Mireku Duker, has revealed plans to establish a new refinery for the Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector in Ghana.

The refinery will be setup with support from London Bullion Marketing Association (LBMA).

This came to light after a meeting between the deputy minister and officials of the London Bullion Marketing Association (LBMA) officials led by the CEO, Ruth Cromwell at the sidelines of the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chain currently underway in Paris, France on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

“I am very glad to indicate that, LBMA is ready to assist Ghana establish a new Refinery for the Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector. Further, LBMA has reiterated to support Ghana to have a clear roadmap in getting a certified refinery,” the Minister wrote after the meeting.

According to George Mireku Duker, the meeting was to afford Ghana the opportunity to reaffirm the parties’ willingness in setting up LBMA-certified refineries in Ghana.

“The meeting was to affirm Ghana's engagement with LBMA from 2021 on steps to get some local gold refineries LBMA-certified and compete internationally. Today's meeting centered on Responsible sourcing of Precious Minerals across the world and how Ghana is meeting up to the Challenge. UK-Ghanaian responsible mining organisation, Ansong Askew Ltd also participated in this important meeting.

George Mireku Duker is representing the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor at the 2023 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris, France.

Speaking during a panel discussion: “Exploring Domestic Drivers For Responsible Mineral Supply Chains; the role of traditional authorities, CSOs and the private sector”, Mr. Duker explained that traditional authorities, CSOs and the private sector can support governments to promote responsible Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM), supporting State-sponsored buying scheme of domestic gold and creating alternative livelihoods for illegal miners in Resource rich countries.

“I stated Ghana government's effort in the areas of establishment of community mining schemes, domestic gold buying programme, distribution of mercury-free gold processing equipment, reduction of export tax on ASM gold from 3% - 1.5% while deepening engagements with traditional and local government authorities on supporting government's efforts in developing the full potential of ASGM in Ghana,” he wrote.

Panel discussion, moderated by Fanny Fremont, Executive Director, Responsible Micah Initiative, and included Dexter Ian Valerio, Central Bank of Phillipines, Helene Helbig de Balzac, Datastake, Desire Nikiema, Africa Coordinator, and Alliance for Responsible Mining.