The National Communication Director of the Association of Small Scale Mining, Abdul Razak Alhassan, has expressed concerns over calls for a total ban on small-scale mining, stating that the industry is often unfairly equated with illegal mining, or “galamsey.”
Speaking on ABC IN THE MORNING on September 18, 2024, he emphasized that legal small-scale mining companies operate under strict regulations and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
“It is unfortunate that they are calling for the total ban on small-scale mining activities. This is an industry where legal small-scale mining companies are mining legally by the laws given to us to manage resources,” he said.
Alhassan pointed out that the Association was not consulted by the Labour Union before they advocated for the ban.
“It is unfortunate the Labour Union did not contact the section that we operate and come out with such utterances. Those mining on river bodies, river banks, and those mining in forest reserves are the ones posing serious threats to our lives and the environment,” he explained.
He clarified that only large-scale mining companies are permitted to mine in forest reserves and river bodies, while small-scale miners are restricted by law.
He further argued that tackling the issue requires a holistic national approach, rather than discriminatory policies that target small-scale miners exclusively.
“So if they want to deal with the issue, let’s deal with it holistically as a nation. And we, the industry players, should play a major role in dealing with it. Because that discrimination aspect will not help anyone,” Alhassan urged.
He emphasized that small-scale miners operate under the supervision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Water Resources Commission, and the Minerals Commission, and that any illegalities should not be generalized to the entire industry.
In light of recent calls for a ban on small-scale mining, the Association is set to meet with the ad hoc ministerial committee on illegal mining tomorrow, September 20, 2024.
The committee, established by the President, aims to find a lasting solution to the illegal mining menace.
The meeting, which follows a “very fruitful and encouraging” discussion with Organised Labour, will be crucial in addressing the demands to tackle galamsey, including a ban on all forms of small-scale mining, reforms to mining laws, and a potential declaration of a state of emergency.
