Security agencies, judiciary asked to help clamp down illegal miners

Lands and Forestry Minister Mike Hammer has called for the support of the judiciary and security services to clamp down on the operations of illegal small scale miners.

The activities of the miners popularly known as galamsey continue to have serious effect on the environment as wells as the operations of licensed mining firms.

Speaking to Joy Business at the maiden mining development forum, Mike Hammer says it can only fight this menace with the full support of interested parties.

Chief Executive of Ghana Chamber of Mines Tony Aubeng tells Joy Business the call couldn't have come at the right time.

He noted that the activities of "myriad of illegal operators is killing" the mining industry. He expressed worry about the volume of mercury in the mining areas as well as the misuse of cyanide.