By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
The leadership of the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association has expressed strong support for the government’s newly introduced Cooperative Mining Scheme, describing it as a step in the right direction to streamline operations and sanitise the small-scale mining industry.
Earlier this year, the government disbanded all community mining schemes set up by the previous administration, citing their failure to deliver the intended benefits to local communities.
The new Cooperative Mining Scheme is designed to replace the old system, allowing groups of at least five individuals to come together and obtain licenses to mine responsibly.
Speaking to journalists at a workshop organised in Kumasi by Kobelco Excavators in partnership with PL International and Warnabaid Ventures for excavator operators, the President of the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, praised the initiative.
“The cooperative mining scheme ensures that not just one person, but at least five or seven individuals can form cooperatives and acquire licenses to mine properly. This move will help address the issue of illegal mining, or galamsey, and reduce the destruction of our water bodies and forest reserves,” Mr. Peprah said.
He added that the scheme has the potential to curb environmental degradation by providing a more organised and regulated path for those who wish to mine legitimately.
“A lot of people who want to do the right thing will now turn to the cooperative mining scheme. This will help us monitor and sanitise the system, ensuring more people benefit from this gold era. It also supports Goldbod’s goal of sourcing traceable gold,” he stated.
Excavator maintenance workshop
Meanwhile, the workshop, which aimed to educate excavator operators and owners on proper maintenance practices, drew participants from across the Ashanti Region.
Country Manager of PL International—importers of Kobelco excavators—Mr. Pravin Garle, told journalists that the training was designed to equip operators with essential technical skills to maintain their machines.
“Many excavators are not properly maintained and tend to deteriorate quickly. It is crucial that such training programmes are held regularly so operators and owners can understand the best practices in machine care,” he said.
Mr. Garle noted that machines require periodic servicing, typically after every eight to ten hours of operation.
“Operators often handle the machines roughly because they lack knowledge about proper use. They may not know how much pressure to apply based on the type of soil they’re working with. Our goal is to provide them with the right education so they can operate the machines efficiently and prolong their lifespan,” he added.
