Sunday, September 9, 2007

Minister of Mines Initiate Moves to Forestall Troubles in Mining Areas

The Minister for Lands, Forestry and Mines, Ms. Esther Obeng Dapaah has promised to initiate moves that would ensure the peaceful co-existence of mining companies and galamsey operators in the Brim North District of the Eastern Region.

The illegal miners have moved their activities to a land that has been legally acquired by Newmont Mining Company where they continue to do their illegal business. Though the latter has constantly demanded that the illegal miners move away from the land, they have refused to do so. This has resulted in a high tension in the area.

Last week, two gallamsey operators met their untimely death when the pit they were mining in collapsed on them, killing them instantly. It became evident when this Reporter toured the area. The Minister rushed to there to find a possible solution to the emerging problem with the District Assembly, chiefs and the Newmont Mining Company.

The Minister, her deputy, Mrs. Rita Tani Idi, the Directors of the various departments and the District Chief Executive, Nana Aquah- Frimpong, held a meeting with leaders of the gallamsay operators, Newmont Mining Company Management and the residents where many issues as to the management of affairs cropped up.

The Minister said to ensure that total peace and tranquility prevailed in all mining areas the government had advised that they formed associations and registered before they undertook any of their mining activities.

Some of the chiefs did not understand why their concerns were not addressed before the policies were formulated for mining companies.

Mr Kofi Yeboah, a buyer from Birim North United Gold Buyers Registered Association, pleaded with the Minister to use her office to convince the Newmont Mining Company to accommodate them at Noyem,Akuase and Nyafoman sites where minerals have already been discovered for them to operate.

He added that the new sites, Akuase North, Gyamerase, Gyamera and Appensoso areas where they did not know, may not have any mineral deposits.

Ms. Esther Obeng Dapaah, assured the illegal miners that she would use her office to ensure that they followed the laid down policies of the government so that they could also undertake their activities with out any problems, "but before that, form associations, register, so that you can undertake your activities without any disaster". She advised the illegal miners.

The Minister used the occasion to introduce the residents to investing in tree plantation, which she said also created a lot of wealth for farmers. Also, unlike that of galamsey operations, it is a disaster-free investment.

The chiefs, the management of Newmont and the Birim North District Assembly, BNDA, also used the occasion to honour her for her appointment as the first woman Cabinet Minister from the area.

allAfrica.com: Ghana: Minister of Mines Initiate Moves to Forestall Troubles in Mining Areas (Page 1 of 1)

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