Establish plantations in mining areas – Alhaji Duada

Obuasi, June 9, GNA - Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Lands and

Natural Resources, has suggested to mining companies to set up a fund for

the establishment of large-scale plantations in their areas of operations.

He explained that this would create jobs for the youth and prevent them

from undertaking illegal mining (galamsey).
Alhaji Dauda, who was on a familiarization visit to AngloGold Ashanti

(Obuasi), said that galamsey at Obuasi was becoming an institutionalised and

thorny issue.
He said the Ministry was applying strategies to deal with the situation.

Alhaji Dauda said that about 66 mining sites have been identified in some

parts of the country and urged people interested in mining to form

co-operatives and apply for lincence to enable them to operate small-scale

mining.
He said that AngloGold Ashanti was making plans to cede some of its

mining sites to galamsey operators and leave their mining areas.

Mr. Keith Faulkner, the Vice President of AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana),

Operations, said that it had been difficult to make Obuasi a profitable venture.

He said the company was planning to introduce mechanised and improved

mining methods to enhance production.
Mr. Faulkner, who is also Managing Director of Obuasi Mine, said safety

measures were initiated to protect mine workers.
GNA