By Kodjo Adams
Accra, Oct. 29, GNA – Operators of small-scale mining have been advised to invest in GoldKacha machines to promote sustainable mining in the sector.
The use of the equipment will prevent the dangerous effects of mercury for gold production on human lives and the environment.
Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, Dean, Planning and Quality Assurance, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, said this at the annual lecture series of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra.
It was on the topic, “Gold Beneficiation in Ghana: Promoting Sustainable Practices.”
She called for the effectiveness of enforcement of the law to curtail the activities of illegal mining in the country.
Lawlessness has contributed to the activities of irresponsible mining, and it behoves on the authorities to be proactive and address the menace.
She said the three-pond purification system was an effective way of recycling water during gold ore processing.
Mining by nature, she said, was destructive and required clearing of land, removal of vegetation, and excavation to ensure the sustainability of the land.
Prof Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo said during mining, there could be concurrent reclamation, adding that large-scale required post-reclamation bonds to preserve the environment.
Unfortunately, she said the environmental stewardship associated with large-scale mining, was not replicated in the artisanal and small-scale industries, calling for urgent attention.
The unplanned and dangerous methods used by small-scale miners had resulted in atmospheric and water pollution, land degradation, and deforestation.
She called on small-scale miners to invest in exploration, which helped to delineate the ore area and know exactly where to mine.
That, she stated, would prevent indiscriminate digging of the land in search of gold and ensure responsible mining operations.
She called for stakeholder discussions on whether to ban or not to ban mining due to the devastating nature of the environment, especially with the water pollution.
Prof Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo called on research institutions and other bodies to provide intensive education on cleaner processes in the mining operations to avoid further destruction of the biodiversity.
GNA