Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has outlined a preventive strategy to tackle illegal mining, with a focus on reforming the small-scale mining sector.
Speaking at Kpone Katamanso on Tuesday, Dr Bawumia emphasised the importance of responsible mining, noting that unregulated operations, often carried out without data, lead to environmental degradation.
Moreover, he criticised the current trial-and-error approach, where miners randomly dig for gold, causing widespread damage.
To address this, Dr Bawumia plans to centre on empowering the Geological Survey Authority to accurately map mineral-rich areas and providing miners with the necessary equipment to support sustainable practices.
Further, he proposed establishing community mining schemes using reliable geological data to properly license and regulate miners.He also stressed the use of mercury-free machines to protect water bodies and promote environmentally responsible mining.
Additionally, he called for strict enforcement of existing laws and regulations to prevent illegal mining, especially in vulnerable areas and during off-peak hours.
