The Effect Of Small Scale Mining On The Environment

Small scale mining has been existence for decades in Ghana and has been noted for a source of employment to 96% of 52,000 Ghanaians working in the mining industry (Ghana National Commission UNESCO). The Ministry of Land and Natural Resources has prohibited mining close to rivers, forest, water bodies and site close to public infrastructure and areas, however they continue to regulate in these areas due to lack of proper monitoring and supervision by relevant authorities. As a result, there is wanton destruction of farm lands and indiscriminate pollution of water bodies (Dorleku, 2013).

Because the overburden from excavated material contains acerbic chemical, it pollutes nearby water bodies causing severe harm to inhabitants relying on the water. In addition to that amalgamation which is the simplest and cheapest technique used by almost all small scale gold miners involves in the use of mercury which contaminates the soil, surface and underground water.

Though artisan miners always argue that mining occurs on a relatively small portion of land, it contribution to land degradation is enormous. Osafo (2011) findings also indicated the effects of artisan mining on the environmental has a detrimental effect on the nearby water bodies and soil.

However, the majority populace, particularly those engaged in artisan gold mining and a small proportion of the inhabitants close to mined areas are unaware of the dangers posed by the activities of small scale gold miners and that their activities has been ranked the second largest source of environmental pollution in Africa (Dwumor and Akor, 2013).

As are result, NGOs that are environmentally conscious should team up with other institution to help protect the environment by educating small scale miners on the implications of their activities on the environment and also provide the ministry with adequate resources to closely monitor the activities of artisan gold miners.

Asante Richard

Lead Founder

Environmental Sustainability Alliance, Ghana (ESAG)