Mining Problems in Ghana
Accidents[edit]
In April 2013, at least 17 people were killed while mining illegally at a disused gold mine in Ghana’s central region. The ground reportedly caved in on the miners as they searched for gold deposits, and authorities were unclear as to how many miners originally went in. Sixteen bodies were excavated, with one man dying in hospital from his injuries.[
The activities of the miners pollute rivers and streams nearby that serve as a source of drinking water for communities downstream. The ‘crude’ technologies used also pose a danger to the miners themselves who are constantly killed due to poor occupational-safety standards. Aside the environmental and occupational hazards, these businesses are not registered and hence, do not benefit from any form of training to improve their business practices. Research work done by Thomas Hentschel, Felix Hruschka and Michael Priester in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: Challenges and opportunities, they identify organizational aspects as playing a key role in this context, and highlight the common tools for improving the sector as;
? Organizational and legal support; ? Access to prospective land; ? Training and application of technology; ? Dissemination of best practice; ? Business management; ? Availability of micro-credits and other development instruments; and use of revenues.Mining and quarrying companies in Ghana face challenges when it comes to obtaining licenses and permits, land acquisition and community disputes.
Infrastructure
Exploration takes mining companies to remote areas and setting up mining operations in these areas can be a challenge due to inadequate roads. Companies often have to mobilize their own power and water supplies to reach remote areas, which increases costs associated with exploring and setting up mining sites. Consequently, most of the gold and mineral exploration in Ghana is done by large international companies that can fund extended exploration endeavors.
Mineral Refineries
As
In April 2013, at least 17 people were killed while mining illegally at a disused gold mine in Ghana’s central region. The ground reportedly caved in on the miners as they searched for gold deposits, and authorities were unclear as to how many miners originally went in. Sixteen bodies were excavated, with one man dying in hospital from his injuries.[
The activities of the miners pollute rivers and streams nearby that serve as a source of drinking water for communities downstream. The ‘crude’ technologies used also pose a danger to the miners themselves who are constantly killed due to poor occupational-safety standards. Aside the environmental and occupational hazards, these businesses are not registered and hence, do not benefit from any form of training to improve their business practices. Research work done by Thomas Hentschel, Felix Hruschka and Michael Priester in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: Challenges and opportunities, they identify organizational aspects as playing a key role in this context, and highlight the common tools for improving the sector as;
? Organizational and legal support; ? Access to prospective land; ? Training and application of technology; ? Dissemination of best practice; ? Business management; ? Availability of micro-credits and other development instruments; and use of revenues.Mining and quarrying companies in Ghana face challenges when it comes to obtaining licenses and permits, land acquisition and community disputes.
Infrastructure
Exploration takes mining companies to remote areas and setting up mining operations in these areas can be a challenge due to inadequate roads. Companies often have to mobilize their own power and water supplies to reach remote areas, which increases costs associated with exploring and setting up mining sites. Consequently, most of the gold and mineral exploration in Ghana is done by large international companies that can fund extended exploration endeavors.
Mineral Refineries
As