Mining companies urged to ensure high environmental safety standards

Kumasi, Aug 2, GNA – The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Tony Aubynn has urged mining companies to go to every length to maintain high environmental safety standards.

He said they should ensure strict compliance with the laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to mining.

This way, the Chamber of Mines boss said, pollutant discharges, emissions and chemical spillage that threatened bio-diversity and the ecology would be prevented.

Dr Aubynn was speaking at a two-day training seminar to identify, discuss and mitigate the environmental aspects and impacts of the operation of the mines at the Royal Lamerta Hotel in Kumasi on Thursday.

The programme, organized by the Chamber, was in response to the reluctance of some of the companies to show responsibility in the protection of the environment.

Issues discussed ranged from water quality management in mining, mine closure, guidelines on the utilization of mineral royalties to corporate social responsibility.

It brought together environmental and community relations officials from mining companies across the country.

Dr Aubynn advised them to undertake vibrant community relations programmes and establish effective communication channels with the local communities to address concerns emanating from their activities.

Additionally, he told the companies to initiate alternative livelihood projects for the population affected by their operations.

He said the Chamber would continue to work hard to re-position mining - to make it a catalyst for development and not only a source of revenue for government.

Dr Aubynn said it would organize regular seminars to provide the platform to brainstorm on environmental and social issues to promote responsible mining.

GNA