The Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC) has announced a significant environmental initiative aimed at restoring vegetation in areas affected by its mining activities. According to the company, a structured plan is underway to reclaim portions of its concession that have been degraded over years of bauxite extraction.
General Manager of the company, Mr. Alexander Gyedu, explained that exploration is currently ongoing in areas where mining has already taken place. The goal is to assess whether those zones still hold economically viable bauxite deposits. In the absence of such deposits, the company intends to commence full scale reclamation efforts, which include tree planting and soil restoration.
“We are currently exploring mined areas to determine their potential. If we find they are no longer minable, we will initiate reclamation and tree-planting activities,” Mr. Gyedu stated.
GBC, which has operated in Ghana for over 80 years, is making this shift in response to growing environmental concerns. Bauxite mining typically involves large-scale deforestation and disruption of natural habitats, which leads to loss of biodiversity and erosion of ecological balance. In response, the company is turning towards more sustainable practices.
Mr. Gyedu also noted that the company is aligning its efforts with the government’s environmental campaign, including the National Tree Planting Day and the broader National Greening Day initiative. “We have received communications from the Forestry Commission requesting our participation, and we remain committed to supporting these important environmental programs,” he added.
As part of its transition to more eco-friendly practices, the company has begun using surface miners in place of the traditional drill-and-blast methods. Surface mining significantly reduces air and noise pollution and minimizes the environmental impact on nearby communities. Currently, GBC is using one surface miner but plans to acquire three more by the end of the year.
“The transition from drill-and-blast to surface mining will help us reduce environmental hazards and enhance our sustainable operations,” Mr. Gyedu noted during the commissioning of a new Community Relations Office.
He emphasized that GBC remains committed to adhering to environmental regulations. The company has fulfilled all regulatory obligations, including securing relevant permits and posting environmental bonds with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
With these initiatives, the Ghana Bauxite Company aims to strike a balance between mineral exploitation and environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term sustainability for communities within its operational zone.
Source:
Information adapted from Adom Online, published by The Multimedia Group. Original article link
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