Of the parliament of the rpublic of ghana entitled the minerals and mining act, 2006 an act to revise and consolidate the law relating to minerals and mining and to provide for connected purposes. Regulation of artisanal small scale gold mining asgm in. An integrated assessment of artisanal and s gold mining in. Until may, 1989 small scale mining in ghana was considered illegal and the precious minerals won by small scale miners were smuggled out of the country. Apr 10, 2015 smallscale mining, though largely informal in ghana, is a significant contributor to livelihoods and economic growth negative environmental impacts mean the sectors contribution is heavily restricted and driven further into informality this study found that informality and negative impacts in the sector are a result of current policies by state institutions smallscale mining has. This artisanal and smallscale mining asm handbook for ghana is the result of a training session held in. Artisanal and smallscale gold mining asgm is growing in many regions of the world including ghana. In ghana, the regulation of artisanal gold mining is set forth in the small scale gold mining law, 1989 pndcl 218. Integrated assessment of artisanal and smallscale gold mining in. Artisanal and small scale gold mining operations have been conducted in ghana for centuries. The impact of smallscale gold mining on mining communities in ghana isaac kojo arah university of new england ho polytechnic abstract the ghanaian mining industry is a controversial one.
Minerals and mining act natural resource governance. Although the introduction of the small scale gold mining law. Abbontiakoon smallscale mine is located in abbontiakoon, a suburb of tarkwa, in the western region of ghana. Gender dimensions of artisanal and small scale mining. This artisanal and smallscale mining asm handbook for ghana is the result of a training session held in ghana in september 2017 through the subprogram on asm under the overall panafgeo project. Minerals and mining act natural resource governance institute. The smallscale miners are mining an old waste dump of the defunct tarkwa goldfields. Small scale mining in the ghana will remain an exclusive preserve for ghanaians in the mining sector of the economy. Small scale mining ssm activity in gold has been known in the then gold coast now.
An integrated assessment of artisanal and smallscale gold mining in ghana asgm. Historical overview of traditional and modern gold mining in. Understanding the livelihoods context of smallscale and artisanal mining in ghana factors involved in increasing the contribution of asm to poverty reduction targets synthesis report november 2004 esther ofei aboagye nii moi thompson. Pdf artisanal and smallscale mining in ghana evidence. An integrated assessment of artisanal and small scale gold mining in ghana asgm. At the moment we have 35 kilos of gold for sale at the security company where buyers are allowed to view and test. Qualification of applicant for small scale mining licence 84. Asgm artisanal and small scale gold mining asm artisanal and small scale mining cocobod ghana cocoa board eia environmental impact assessment epa environmental p rotection agency gdp gross domestic product gnassm ghana national association of small scale miners icmm international c ouncil on mining and metals lsm large scale mining mdf mineral. Pdf historical overview of traditional and modern gold. Small scale mining a preserve for ghanaians primenewsghana. Formalising ghanas asm sector is therefore a signi. Small scale mining in ghana has a lot of opportunities when done the right and legal way.
Smallscale mining contributes about 30% of ghanas total gold output and provides livelihoods to large numbers of people one aspect of the controversial issue of illegal mining in ghana is the involvement of foreigners, especially chinese companies and miners findings suggest that there are serious negative impacts intensified by the involvement of chinese miners the. Asm is an important economic activity and livelihood strategy in many developing countries. Before you start mining activities in ghana, you must first acquire a license and letter of permit by the government or a related body. Mercury exposure assessment and spatial distribution in a. Smallscale mining has gained much recognition throughout the world. Appiah other hand, licences were granted for diamond. The impact of small scale gold mining on mining communities in ghana isaac kojo arah university of new england ho polytechnic abstract the ghanaian mining industry is a controversial one.
This article compares and contrasts the precolonial methods of mining with modern artisanal or small scale mining popularly known in ghana as galamsey and also provide reasons to explain why traditional or precolonial mining is still vibrant in the goldrich akanland in modernday ghana. The precious minerals marketing corporation law, 1989 pndcl 219, set up the precious minerals marketing corporation pmmc to promote the development of small scale gold and diamond mining in ghana and to purchase the output of such mining, either directly or through licensed. Iieds first in a series of local multistakeholder dialogues on artisanal and smallscale mining asm started in ghana in autumn 2015. The mmip is a fiveyear project that presents an integrated approach for achieving overall project outcomes and deliverables and represents a framework for collaboration with key stakeholders to sanitize the galamsey menace.
The informalisation of ghanas smallscale gold mining. Hello, we are a small scale gold mining company in ghana and is seeking for honest buyers of gold. In ghana, artisanal and smallscale mining asm has grown in size and significance. Small scale mining in ghana 5 reasons to start this. Investigating approaches to working with artisanal and. The smallscale mining law was passed to legalize and formalize ghanas large informal mining sector. Kahuzibiega national park and itombwe nature reserve, eastern democratic republic of congo volume 53 issue 1 charlotte spira, andrew kirkby, deo kujirakwinja, andrew j. The law allows smallscale miners to apply for minerals rights from the secretary of lands and natural resources article 1. A rapid assessment toolkit, says that some african countries, such as the ghana and malawi, have more than 50% of women making up the artisanal and smallscale mining workforce.
Smallscale mining operations and their effects in the. Ghanas government focuses on reforming smallscale mining. Comparison between artisanal and small scale mining in. The development follows a growing discrepancy among members of the public that the current antigalamsey fight by government actually involves sweeping out. Whole ore amalgamation dramatically increases the potential for the mercury that is used to be released to the environment. Organization of small scale mining activities in ghana saimm. Small scale gold mining, popularly called galamsy in ghana and other developing countries, is seen as a source of subsistence and a determinant of the environmental degradation 1. Injuries among artisanal and smallscale gold miners in ghana. Gender dimensions of artisanal and smallscale mining. Artisanal and smallscale gold mining in ghana pubs. Direct employment by the smallscale mining sector in ghana as at the end of 2006 was about 600,000 1. The socioeconomics of artisanal mining and bushmeat hunting around protected areas. This paper provides an exposition on the environmental impacts of mining activities in ghana. Among developing countries facing expanding asgm, it arguably has the strongest network of active in country researchers.
Our aim is to always have classic and higher gold in. Appiah synopsis small scale mining ssm has been going on for a long time in ghana. Small scale mining in ghana techniques and environmental. A rapid assessment toolkit v preface a rtisanal and small scale mining asm is a global reality. About onesixth of the country contains extractable gold, and certain. National mining policy of ghana 3 draft national mining policy of ghana 1. Around the eighteen 18 century, a lot of foreign investors engaged themselves in mining activities which resulted in the creation of jobs for the local communities. Boosting artisanal and smallscale mining 4bulletin harnessing the potential of asm to improve rural livelihoods, to stimulate entrepreneurship in a socially responsible manner, to promote local and integrated national development as well as regional. The asm subprogram is cofunded by the european commissions directorategeneral of development and. A galamsey, derived from the phrase gather them and sell, is a local ghanaian term which means illegal smallscale gold mining in ghana. Impacts of galamsey on drainage and sanitation in the. Pdf small scale mining continues to contribute significantly to the socioeconomic needs of ghana. Destruction of arable land in the agroecological zones by illegal small scale gold mining galamsey affects agricultural productivity, and threatens food security in ghana.
Many believe that the industry has contributed greatly towards the socio. Destruction of arable land in the agroecological zones by illegal smallscale gold mining galamsey affects agricultural productivity, and threatens food security in ghana. Artisanal and smallscale gold mining asgm has long been practiced in nigeria and around the world. Ghanas smallscale artisanal gold mining sector was first legalised in 1989 with the promulgation of the smallscale gold mining act, which established the precious minerals marketing corporation pmmc, the industrys main marketer and the sole buyer of smallscale gold and diamond mining output.
The operations have transformed from artisanal to the use of sophisticated mining techniques in recent. Over time, technological advances in the industry occurred and miners separated from large scale mining and applied this knowledge to small scale or individual mining practices. Ghana news ghana politics ghana soccer ghana showbiz. In ghana, like many developing countries, there is paucity of information on the causes and nature of the accidents that result in the injuries. Artisanal mining and livelihoods in ghana the bluff foundation is a private, ngo working with people in the philippines. Jun 21, 2018 ghana is endowed with extensive mineral and agricultural resources. Pdf artisanal and smallscale mining in ghana evidence to inform.
Artisanal and smallscale gold miners are confronted with numerous hazards often resulting in varying degrees of injuries and fatalities. During a visioning workshop on asm in april 2015, participants from around the world came together to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities for asm, and which countries might benefit most from a locallydriven dialogue process. Investigating approaches to working with artisanal and smallscale miners. Small scale mining continues to contribute significantly to the socioeconomic needs of ghana. Assessment of mercury pollution in rivers and streams. Ghana has 23 largescale mining companies producing gold, diamonds, bauxite and manganese, and, there are also over 300 registered small scale mining groups and 90 mine support service companies. Final report 4 contemporary borders by nearly years. Govt in talks with stakeholders over mining ban amewu. The impact of smallscale gold mining on mining communities. It has a lot of opportunities when done the right and legal way. Ghana is endowed with extensive mineral and agricultural resources. Organization of small scale mining activities in ghana 308 novemberdecember 1998 the journal of the south african institute of mining and metallurgy figure 2the krowa used by small scale miners for panning gold and washing diamonds. Iieds first in a series of local multistakeholder dialogues on artisanal and small scale mining asm started in ghana in autumn 2015. Small scale mining activities started in ghana more than 100 years ago.
Since then there have been numerous gains from the ssm industry. Comparison between artisanal and small scale mining in ghana. Small scale mining is a very beneficial business in ghana and anyone who starts it can really benefit from it financially. No precise smallscale mining employment figures can be found for ghana, although it is estimated some 200,000 are involved directly in the extraction of gold and diamonds 11, the great majority of which are galamsey. In some cases, this excess mercury approaches 90% of the total in use. Quansah synopsis artisanal and smallscale mining asm plays a fundamental role in the national and local economies of resourcerich countries in africa. Inclusive reform for ghanas smallscale and artisanal mining. A small scale gold mining community, kejetia figure 2, was selected from a prior study of asgm miners in the area 24.
The socioeconomics of artisanal mining and bushmeat hunting. Touted as having as much as 70 percent of west africas gold deposits, ghana has, for centuries, attracted numerous foreigners seeking to trade and invest in its mineral riches. The ghanaian mining act 2006 and indonesian mineral and coal law 2009 stipulate that ghanaian and indonesian citizens, as individuals or cooperatives of up to ten people, can apply for a licence to mine on a maximum of10 ha land in areas designated for small scale mining. Bolstered by historically high gold prices, a lack of viable alternative livelihoods, and a ready if expensive supply of mercury, there has been a resurgence of asgm activities in. The environmental impact of smallscale gold mining in ghana. Galamseyers are people who perform illegal gold mining independent of mining companies, digging small working pits, tunnels, and sluices by hand. The operations have transformed from artisanal to the use of sophisticated mining techniques in recent times.
Asgm artisanal and smallscale gold mining asm artisanal and smallscale mining cocobod ghana cocoa board eia environmental impact assessment epa environmental p rotection agency gdp gross domestic product gnassm ghana national association of smallscale miners icmm international c ouncil on mining and metals lsm largescale mining mdf mineral. Among developing countries facing expanding asgm, it arguably has the strongest network of active incountry researchers. Data were collected from two communities in the upper east region of ghana, in the prior talensinabdam district figure 1, which has since split into separate talensi and nabdam districts. Qualification of applicant for small scale mining licence. Artisanal and smallscale mining formalization p168002. Notes the economic importance of the sector to rural ghana. The formalization process enacted in the smallscale mining laws is ineffective because it is unable to capture the magnitude and complexity of what now encompasses ghanas smallscale gold industry. Official pdf, 9 pages world bank documents world bank group. It represents a longstanding and important livelihood for more than 100 million men and women around the wold. Understanding the livelihoods context of smallscale and artisanal mining in ghana factors involved in increasing the contribution of asm to poverty reduction targets synthesis report november 2004 esther ofei aboagye nii moi thompson s alhassan thomas akabzaa charles ayamdoo. The study examined smallscale mining operations and their effects on the livelihoods of people the east akim municipal assembly. The impact of chinese involvement in smallscale gold. Our project, investing in women, has entered into the artisanal mining sector, selling modern, high recovery, low cost equipment.
This company is a small scale mining company based in ghana and burkina faso. Minerals and africas development africa mining vision. At the moment we have 35 kilos of gold for sale at the security. Heavy metal pollution in soil and water in some selected. In ghana, small scale gold mining is set to be responsible for about 5% of the annual gold production. The development follows a growing discrepancy among members of the public that the current antigalamsey fight by government actually involves sweeping out ghanaians in the small scale mining industry. The mining sector in ghana consists of both smallscale and largescale mining, each of which has varying environmental impacts. Environmental impact of mining and the well being of the. Its contribution to wealth creation, employment and the economy makes it one of the nations most important livelihood activities, employing an estimated one million people and supporting approximately 4. The impact of chinese involvement in smallscale gold mining. Comparison between artisanal and smallscale mining in ghana and south africa a result, unregulated mining activities in communities have been on the rise, despite asm being instrumental in allaying poverty at the rural level see arguments in uneca and au, 2009 on asm. Alternative techniques include many options for concentrating. The case of amenfi west district of ghana by martey laari undergraduate thesis submitted to the department of business administration, ashesi university college. Overview of ghanas minerals and mining sector ghana is well endowed with substantial mineral resources, the major ones being gold, diamonds, manganese and bauxite.
Currently, there are eleven large scale mining companies operating eight gold mines, one bauxite, one diamond and one manganese mine, in. Mar 23, 2016 while accounting for an estimated 34 per cent of ghana s gold production in 2014 and the livelihoods of approximately 1 million ghanaians and a total 3 million dependents, the artisanal and small scale mining asm sector is best known for its major environmental and social challenges. Ghana has 23 large scale mining companies producing gold, diamonds, bauxite and manganese, and, there are also over 300 registered small scale mining groups and 90 mine support service companies. Comparison between artisanal and smallscale mining in ghana and south africa.
Africas mining legacy and the search for a new development approach 151 optimizing mineral linkages needs a conscious policy approach 151 e global mining industry. Such workers are known as galamseyers or orpailleurs in neighboring francophone nations. If you are a society or association member and require assistance with obtaining online access instructions please contact our journal customer services team. The regions which serve as the major agroecological zones coincide with the largest deposits of mineral resources. For many centuries the smallscale mining of precious minerals has made a significant impact on the socioeconomic lives of people and communities involved directly or indirectly in the sector kesse, 1985, hilson, 2002a. Artisanal and small scale gold mining business plan 20. In 2018, ghana made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The impact of chinese involvement in smallscale gold mining in ghana research by gordon crawford, coleman agyeyomah, gabriel botchwey and atinga mba policy brief 33110 may 2016 smallscale mining contributes about 30% of ghanas total gold output and provides livelihoods for many people.
Recommends an anticorruption in law enforcement campaign. Finds that the 1989 smallscale mining laws do not capture the activities of miners. The problems in these communities are complex and multifaceted. Boosting artisanal and small scale mining 4bulletin harnessing the potential of asm to improve rural livelihoods, to stimulate entrepreneurship in a socially responsible manner, to promote local and integrated national development as well as regional. The socioeconomics of artisanal mining and bushmeat. Most smallscale miners in ghana are engaged in the extraction of gold and diamonds simply because they can generate wealth quickly. Strategies for sustainable development of the smallscale. Ghana is also a major producer of bauxite, manganese and diamonds.
Historical overview of traditional and modern gold mining in ghana. An integrated assessment approach to address artisanal and. Our aim is to always have classic and higher gold in our show rooms. Small scale mining companies in ghana including accra, kumasi, koforidua, sekonditakoradi, and more. To help increase understanding of such problems, and to enable consensusbuilding and. Abstract the present guide mining togetherwhen large scale mining meets artisanal mining is an important step to better understanding the conflict dynamics and underlying issues between large scale and small scale mining. In ghana it employs thousands of people and affects the livelihoods of many households located within the catchment areas of the mines. Ghanas smallscale mining has evolved beyond the reach of current smallscale mining legislation. Ghana operate informally, without the security of a licence. In africa, ghana is the second largest gold producer, contributing to about 5.
Industry quarrying and smallscale mining, sometimes for gold, including using mercury, digging in deep pits, crushing rocks. Many believe that the industry has contributed greatly towards the socioeconomic development of the country in terms of. Pdf on sep 1, 2016, james mcquilken and others published artisanal and smallscale mining in ghana evidence to inform an action dialogue find, read and cite all the research you need on. The proportion of ghanas gold that is mined through. Conservative estimates indicate the presence of more than eight million artisanal miners in africa according to the uneca and the african union. Effects of the governments ban in ghana on women in. Small scale mining in ghana is characterized by inadequate capital inputs, low level and organization of small scale mining activities in ghana by h. Ghana is africas largest gold producer, producing 80. Ashesi university college assessing the impacts of illegal. Bolstered by historically high gold prices, a lack of viable alternative livelihoods, and a ready if expensive supply of mercury, there has been a resurgence of asgm activities in northern nigeria in recent years.
222 468 817 976 607 274 454 799 1006 795 1270 164 1214 765 734 1014 561 1224 544 423 479 610 889 1240 380 1213 1391 696 1193 939 1391 369 76 1162 6 1313 680