By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has seconded government’s decision to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462) as part of a new move in the fight against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed that the necessary steps to revoke the L.I. must be taken when parliament reconvenes this October.
This follows public calls for government to make a decisive move against illegal mining and the notice by Organised Labour of embarking on a nationwide strike beginning Thursday, October 10.
The Chamber of Mines, representing the country’s regulated and large-scale mining industry, has expressed its unwavering support for this directive – emphasising that it’s in the state’s best interest to safeguard against destruction of natural resources.
The Chamber is of the belief that the ill-effects of illegal mining have negatively put the industry in the spotlight. While the large-scale mining companies who it represents are not directly in the line of fire, there is a sense that besides proffering solutions to address the menace members need to distinguish themselves from illicit operators.
CEO-Ghana Chamber of Mines, Sulemanu Koney, emphasised the devastation happening to the environment is obvious for everyone to see; and therefore if government takes such a decision, it is in the right direction and must receive the support of all well-meaning citizens.
“We believe that it is a good call; if it has been found that a consequence of that regulation is fanning the illegal operations destroying our water resources and forest reserves, then it must be revoked. We stand for responsible mining; and so if there is feeling from government that this is harming our forest reserves, then I think it is a good call,” he said
Mr. Koney further stressed the need for Chamber members to differentiate themselves from such activities. “We need to differentiate ourselves distinctively. And the only way to do this is to operate responsibly.
At this crucial moment of devastating effects on our water-bodies and some of our members’ concessions, it is important to educate our members on this subject and be ahead of everyone.
“To operate responsibly, we need to be at the cutting-edge of innovation, knowledge and consciousness to apply what we know in practice. Hence the importance of this workshop and many more to be held going forward,” he said.
The CEO made these remarks at the third workshop on implementing and auditing the International Cyanide Management Code
Miners reaffirm commitment to improve cyanide management and minimise risks
Large-scale miners at the workshop reaffirmed their commitment to improving cyanide management and minimising associated risks.
Regulated mining companies at the third West African Cyanide Management Workshop, organised by Ghana Chamber of Mines in partnership with the International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) and held in Accra, reiterated their commitment to responsible mining and efficient use of cyanide.
CEO-Ghana Chamber of Mines, Sulemanu Koney, emphasised that it is beneficial for miners to continually apprise themselves and share knowledge on sodium cyanide; hence, the workshop demonstrates the Chamber’s commitment to improving cyanide management and minimising its risks.
“The use of cyanide in gold extraction has been a long-standing practice, and indeed it is the gold standard lixiviant; but we recognise the potential risks associated with its handling, use and storage. In line with our commitment to sustainability, our industry has a responsibility to ensure the safety of our employees, local communities and the environment.
“By working together, we can enhance our collective performance and contribute to a safer, more sustainable mining sector,” he said.
He added that the mining industry is at the nexus of immeasurable tensions – “not only to produce critical minerals needed for the just energy transition, but also continually provide immeasurable value to stakeholders’ vis a vis the need to limit our ecological footprint”.
Therefore, miners must strive for operations to be safe and at least nature-neutral in effect while creating broad-based socioeconomic value.
President-International Cyanide Management Institute, Paul Bateman, reiterates that cyanide can be toxic and devastating: therefore the expectation from international partners is that stakeholders will be very pragmatic with safety measures and ensure it is managed properly for the safety of mankind and environment in general.
He explained that the Cyanide Code is an International Cyanide Management regulation for the manufacture, transport and use of cyanide in the production of gold. It is a performance-driven, certification programme of best practices for managing cyanide in gold and silver mining.
“The Cyanide Code’s objective is to improve management of cyanide used in gold and silver mining and enhance protection of human health; and ensure the reduction of environmental impacts from inadvertent releases or exposures to the chemical,” he said.
He urged miners to embrace the code and strive to implement it for the safety of workers, society and the environment.
