By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, June 26, GNA – The planetGOLD Ghana project has concluded a two-day onsite training programme for artisanal and small-scale miners, within the Prestea Huni-Valley and Wassa Amenfi West Municipalities, in the Western Region.
The training was aimed at promoting mercury-free gold extraction and responsible mining practices within the area.
The training is part of the broader planetGOLD Ghana initiative, which seeks to reduce mercury use in
Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) while improving access to finance, strengthening supply chains, and promoting sustainable practices.
Mr. Prosper Yaw Nkrumah, Project Manager for planetGOLD Ghana, said the project was aligned with Ghana’s commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which emphasized the importance of responsible mining.
He said the pilot mine sites were carefully selected based on several criteria including absence of child labour, conflicts, community acceptance, and possession of valid mining and environmental permits.
He said the training was expected to have a lasting impact on participants, supporting Ghana’s efforts to formalize and professionalize the ASGM sector while safeguarding environmental and community health.
“The training modules covered a range of technical and environmental topics including basic geology and mineralogy, responsible mining practices, mercury-free gold processing methods, mine environmental management, and mine health and safety management.”
Mr Nkrumah said participants also engaged in insightful field visits to notable small-scale mining operations, including Okutey Mine and Bazurey Mining Company in Prestea Huni-Valley, and Bugart Mining Company in Wassa Amenfi West.
“These visits allowed trainees to witness firsthand the application of responsible mining practices and mercury-free technologies.”
A total of 136 participants,118 males and 18 females benefited from the programme, gaining hands-on skills and knowledge to implement safer and more efficient mining operations.
He advised the miners to employ qualified geologists and mining experts, to ensure a strong culture of safety, maintain accurate bookkeeping, comply with environmental monitoring standards, acquire necessary permits, conduct laboratory tests to determine gold grades and improve pit safety through proper benching techniques to enhance their mining operations.
The event brought together key stakeholders in Ghana’s small-scale mining sector, including experts from the university of mines and technology (UMAT), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) officials from Tarkwa, representatives from the minerals commission in Asankrangwa, traditional council leaders, artisanal miners, and other industry players.
GNA
Christian Akorlie