Boost For Small Scale Mining

The 25-member delegation of small scale miners A 25-member delegation of small scale miners from Ghana has been sponsored by the government to undertake a study tour of China's mining industry.

The study tour was to help boost the small scale mining sub-sector through the adoption of modern and cost-effective mechanised and semi-mechanised technologies.

The Minister for Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Esther Obeng Dappah, who welcomed the delegation back home last week, entreated them to put into practice what they had learnt in China.

She assured small scale miners in the country that her ministry would not relent in its efforts to promote and develop the industry in a more positive way.

Presently, there are various support schemes being implemented by the Minerals Commission which aimed at enlarging opportunities for employment and wealth creation through small scale mining.

Mrs Dappah called on stakeholders in the mining sector to collaborate with her ministry and the Minerals Commission for the appropriate development of small scale mining in Ghana.

She believes that with the needed collaboration among the key players in the mining sector, small scale mining would reach the 'promised land' and ensure a win-win for all. She also called on miners to abide by the code of practice for mining.

The sector minister further appealed to the relevant educational institutions to develop appropriate programmes that would meet the needs of the Ghanaian small scale miners.

"It is very enlightening to hear that a few typical small scale miners have demonstrated their desire to upgrade their skills by enrolling at the University of Mines and Technology as matured students in some mining courses," Mrs Dappah said. By Felix Dela Klutse