New Mining Regulations to Target Community-Based Cooperatives, Not Individual Miners – Kabore

The spokesperson to Lands and Natural Resources Mahmud Kabore has explained the proposed new mining regulations outlined by Sammy Gyamfi Esq. highlighting plans to formalise artisanal mining through community-based cooperatives and promote responsible mining practices.

In a phone interview on Kessben Maakye show in Accra with the spokesperson, he explained that the proposed framework is intended to regulate small-scale mining activities by formalising, registering and licensing miners who are willing to operate within the law.
The explanation follows comments by Sammy Gyamfi on the government’s roadmap for formalising Ghana’s artisanal mining sector.
Under the proposed arrangement, mining activities would be organised through community-based cooperatives rather than individual operators.

The initiative is expected to provide a structured system for miners to obtain the necessary training, licesces and permits to operate legally.
The spokesperson explained that prospective miners would undergo training in responsible mining, mine safety and environmental stewardship as part of efforts to ensure that their operations meet the required standards.

Following the training, some participants would be selected as cooperative leaders and issued licenses through the Department of Cooperatives. Their certificates would then help facilitate the acquisition of operating permits to regularise their activities.

The spokesperson further explained that the government’s approach seeks to distinguish between illegal mining and irresponsible mining, noting that possessing a license does not automatically mean a miner is operating responsibly.
Under the proposed framework, mining in forest reserves, water bodies, roadsides and the middle of communities would not be permitted.

The government is also expected to intensify efforts to ensure that licensed miners comply with environmental and safety standards, as part of broader measures to address the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves associated with galamsey.

The proposed regulations are aimed at creating a more organised artisanal mining sector while ensuring that miners who operate within the law can do so under a regulated system.
The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how the regulations are implemented and enforced, particularly in ensuring that community-based mining cooperatives adhere to responsible mining practices.