Gov’t to lift ban on small scale mining soon – Amewu hints

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The ban on small-scale mining could soon be lifted, Lands and Natural Resource Minister John Peter Amewu has hinted.

According to Mr Amewu, the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, would make an announcement to that effect soon.

He told the chiefs and people of Dunkwaw in the Central Region that a roadmap which provides alternative livelihood to the miners and also ensure sustainable mining, is being implemented.

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Government placed a ban on small-scale mining in June 2017, following widespread destruction of water bodies and land space due to the application of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in small-scale mining.

It comes as government introduced sustainable mining training course for the miners.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter  Amewu says over 1,000 small-scale miners have benefited from the training.

“This government is saying that you must do the mining in a more sustainable manner.

“It is not going to be too long; His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo would be lifting the ban on mining. But before that is done, he expects certain things to be put in order; which is the roadmap leading to the lifting of the ban,”  he told the chiefs.

According to him, widespread concerns about the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and others which are dangerous to health of humans, among others, informed government’s decision to ban small-scale mining.

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Mr. Amewu has been visiting some departments and agencies under his ministry in the Ashanti and Central regions.

He also inspected the Richie Plantations in Dunkwaw where two million oil palm seedlings would be supplied to miners free of charge, as part of the alternative livelihood program.

Beneficiaries would be supplied with seedlings and transportation free of charge.

He wants small-scale miners to take advantage of the project to improve their lot.

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“Very soon, we would be distributing seedlings to communities, youth and young ones that are interested in undertaking this farming project.

“It is on that note that we are paying a courtesy call on you, also to encourage you to talk to the young ones in the community that the seedlings would be distributed free of charge,” he appealed.

Meanwhile, new law courts are expected to be built in hotspots noted for illegal mining activities as part of efforts to clamp down on the menace.

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Construction work on initial three courts is expected to start under the Multi-Sectoral Mining Integrated Project.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Peter John Amewu who disclosed this to journalists says the project is being implemented with the support of Attorney-General Ministry of Justice.