Government will on Thursday, August 16, announce a roadmap for the lifting of the ban on small-scale mining in the country.

The ban has been in existence after the government assumed office in January 2017 in a bid was to ensure the re-claiming and re-afforestation of mined-out areas, restoration of impacted water bodies.

However, the government is, therefore, set to announce the Road Map for the lifting of the ban on small-scale mining this week.

According to Deputy Information Minister, Nana Ama Dokuaa Asiamah Agyei, the announcement on Thursday is the beginning of a series of activities aimed at preparing stakeholders for a better regulated small-scale mining regime.

She, therefore, asked stakeholders in a sector and the general public to adhere to the procedures, rules and regulations which will be outlined in the Road Map for the advancement of the country.

Background

As part of the government’s effort to ensure sustainable mining and protect the environment, an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining was constituted in March 2017. 

It was chaired by world-renowned scientist and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Frimpong Boateng.

The mandate of the committee was to enforce the ban on Small Scale Mining and develop a comprehensive Road Map to guide the activities of small-scale miners. 

It was also for the strict supervision of the processes of awarding mining licenses and permits and continued formalization and regulation of the small-scale mining sector.

After a year of comprehensive research and careful consultation with all interest groups, the committee has completed the Road Map that will regulate the activities of the Small Scale Miners and guide their operation.