By Florence Afriyie Mensah
Kumasi, April 30, GNA – Operators of excavator machines have received a day’s intensive practical and theoretical education on the best practices to maintain the heavy-duty equipment.
Among other things, the beneficiaries were exposed to safety measures in the field and optimal use of the machines to increase production.
Mr Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of Concerned Small Scale Miners Association at the opening of the training in Kumasi, observed that machines including excavators played critical roles in modern day mining.
It was therefore important for operators of this equipment to receive periodic training on the basis of maintenance, adding that, when these machines were in use, wear and tear occurred and the cost of maintenance was quite high.
The event was put together by Kobelco, a worldwide excavator manufacturer, together with PL International Holdings and Warnabaid Ventures.
It was themed: “Safe and Efficient Excavation Practices for Sustainable Mining in Ghana.”
Mr Peprah, touching on ensuring sanity in the mining sector, applauded the government for instituting the GOLDBOD and the Cooperative Mining Scheme.
He explained that over 60 percent of gold exported in a year were smuggled and “once the GOLDBOD is in check, it will help sanitize the sector” and “the Board could get traceable gold for the government to also realize the needed benefits”.
Again, as the pricing of gold would be determined by the government, he explained, it would go a long way to help the small-scale mining sector, enabling members to mine responsibly and get fair pricing for their products.
He said with cooperative mining, people could come together, form a group and secure licenses to mine correctly which would further curb the activities of illegal mining.
Mr Pravin Garle, Country Manager, PL International Holdings, indicated that mining was important in the development of Ghana, which was why operators of the heavy mining equipment including excavators, needed improved skills to deliver quality services.
It is crucial, he noticed, that Kobelco worldwide, known for the quality and sturdiness of machines used in very heavy mining operations streamlined efforts to get small scale miners and their machine operators ready for production.
This included education on optimally utilizing the machine to increase performance and boost production and to support sustainable and safe mining.
Mr Garle observed that operators’ continuous use of excavator machines after 10 hours was not the best and explained that after this period the machine must be made to rest to reduce the work pressures on the gadget.
GNA
KOM/LAA