According to Samuel Abu Jinapor, minister of lands and natural resources, all excavators in mining concessions would be tracked electronically as part of significant steps to crack down on unlawful mining, often known as galamsey.
He said that the Minerals Commission had already set up a control centre for the initiative's successful implementation and was working to finish the purchase of the tracking devices in a few months.
The Minerals and Mining (Mineral Operations - Tracking of Earthmoving and Mining Equipment) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2404) that gave the commission the authority to track all earthmoving machines and equipment used in mining operations were the reason for the decision to deploy the tracking devices, the minister said yesterday during the Meet-the-Press series in Accra.
"The control room will be operational by the end of the month. The programme will be completely implemented in a few months, he added, adding that the tracking devices are now being purchased.
Enforcement
The ministers of Lands and Natural Resources, Transport, and National Security collaborated to ensure that importers of all earthmoving equipment obtained permits before bringing the equipment into the country as part of measures to combat galamsey, according to Mr. Jinapor, who is also the member of parliament for Damongo.
According to the agreement, if you work in the mining industry and wish to import an excavator for use in mining, you must obtain a licence from the transport minister. However, before he issues you the authorization, he will first consult with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources' perspective," he declared.
He said that the trackers being purchased to be mounted on excavators were being done so in an effort to further tighten the knot.
Mr. Jinapor emphasised that the government would keep enforcing mining laws and implementing steps to bring order to the small-scale mining (SSM) industry.
He said that preparations were being made for the deployment of five patrol boats to help halt illicit mining on the Pra, Birim, Black Volta, and other rivers.
localised mining
The minister stated that the Minerals Commission's initiative to expand community mining schemes (CMSs) in order to help regulate and cleanse the SSM industry was the ministry's top priority.
According to Mr. Jinapor, 14 of these CMSs have already been introduced this year, and 20 of them will be implemented in 14 mining areas around the nation in 2021.
"In the upcoming weeks, we will be implementing more of the programmes in Osino, which is located in the Fanteakwa South District in the Eastern Region; Kenyasi, which is located in the Asutifi South municipality in the Ahafo Region; Dunkwa, which is located in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality in the Central Region; Manso Nkwanta and Mosiaso, which is located in the Amansie West District.
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