Govt Commences Nationwide Registration Of Small-Scale Miners
The government has commenced a nationwide registration exercise for all small-scale miners and mining groups as part of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) to formalise and regulate the small-scale mining sector.
The exercise is in collaboration with the Minerals Commission and follows a successful pilot phase in the Western and Western North Regions.
“The exercise aims to bring structure, accountability, and environmental responsibility to an industry that provides livelihoods for millions of Ghanaians,” a statement by COMSPED said.
A key arm of the rCOMSDEP initiative is to formalise artisanal mining groups into legally recognised cooperatives, ensuring full compliance with regulatory frameworks and alignment with national mining laws.
Selected sites will undergo thorough geological evaluations to determine their mineral potential and economic viability, ensuring that registered cooperatives operate on concessions capable of sustaining productive activity.
Phases
The exercise will take place in four phases, beginning with the capturing of comprehensive details of cooperative members, including National Identification and contact numbers, by field teams.
After that, technical teams will conduct geological validation and terrain stability checks on proposed concessions, alongside environmental risk screening to assess water use, tailings management, and ore processing methods.
Then, qualified cooperatives will be issued a six-month Temporary Operating Permit, allowing them to commence operations under close monitoring while working toward full licensing.
The last phase is the final review of all documentation by rCOMSDEP and the Minerals Commission following successful verification and assessment.
Relevance
The exercise is envisioned to enable the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Authority, and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to conduct necessary field inspections and assessments, thereby triggering the formal processes required for the issuance of operating permits, including environmental clearances and mining licenses.
It will also allow registered cooperatives to receive continuous technical support and monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards and operational best practices.
In addition, the exercise will also provide the Government with access to a verified database of registered miners and groups, from whom it will purchase gold through the Ghana Goldbod, ensuring traceability and legitimacy in the supply chain.
Motivation
The statement urged all small-scale miners and artisanal mining groups operating throughout the country to cooperate with registration officials and present the required documentation during this phase.
“The exercise represents a unique opportunity to transition into the formal economy, gain legal recognition, and contribute to the sustainable development of Ghana’s mining sector.”
Meanwhile, it affirmed that the success of the initiative hinges on collaboration among key stakeholders, including Traditional Authorities and Local Government Leaders.
“Their support is crucial in encouraging participation and ensuring the smooth implementation of the programme across all mining communities.”
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
