CURBING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FROM SMALL SCALE MINING/ (GALAMSEY) BY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)- ASHANTI REGION

OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION INTRODUCTION IMPACTS OF SCM/ISCM MITIGATING MEASURES CONCLUSION

Introduction Small Scale mining has become the order of the day in recent times. It has become a major topical issue in the country – discussed every where. The reason is the proliferation of illegal (galamsey) operators and the accompanying destruction of the environment Galamsey appears now to have been taken over by foreign nationals

Small Scale Mining

IMPACTS Illegality at its best Communal/ illegal Miners /Security confrontations Can this happen in his country?

Introduction cont’d Number of illegal miners not known but estimated to be within the range of 50,000 Usually operate within the environs of larger mining companies Have high rate of accidents Illegal mining generally includes the ff: – Mining without the requisite permits – Mining in unapproved area even when permit has been secured

Introduction cont’d – Mining while the application is being processed – Mining in a prohibited area such as forest/game reserves – Close to rivers – Close to residential areas and other infrastructure

Mining close to a River

Impacts Destruction of forest/vegetal cover of lands Destruction of biodiversity Destruction of rivers and water bodies (physical and chemical- quality) Destruction of fertile agricultural lands Destruction of sacred sites Pit creation – stagnant water – mosquito breeding etc Visual intrusion/destruction of landscape

Most Affected Districts in Ashanti Obuasi Municipal – Obuasi Amansie Central – Jacubo Amansie West- Manso Nkwanta Bekwai Municipal - Bekwai Adansi North - Fomena Adansi South – New Edubiase Bosomtwe – Kuntanase Atwima Kwanwoma – Ofoase Atwima Mponua – Nyinahin Bosome Freho - Asiwa

Destruction of forest/vegetal cover C ocoa farm will not be spared

IMPACTS River pollution- loss of; aquatic life, drinking water, habitat, quality and quantity High Turbidity of the River

Impacts cont’d Destruction/disturbance of fauna and flora Destruction of food and cash crops Increase in fishkills in rivers and streams Increase in social vices in communities Disrespect for traditional laws Breakdown of social cohesion in traditional communities Loss of revenue for farmers Positive impacts – Revenue benefits for operators

IMPACTS Creation of pits- “death traps” and mosquito breeding ponds

IMPACTS Destruction of shrines and Sacred grooves

Impacts on water treatment AGA intake point abandoned Public intake point being managed with difficulty

Illegal lumbering

IMPACTS Ground contamination by oil

IMPACTS Social menace- prostitution, drug peddling, truancy, broken homes

Mitigating Measures Registration of Small scale Mining operators by the relevant agencies /organisations – Regulatory Formation of very strong Small Scale Miners Association Training of Small Scale Miners in environmental Control Measures Strict compliance with the buffer zone policy

Mitigating Measures Cont’d Follow strictly Reclamation Procedures:- – Stockpiling the topsoil and overburden for filling – Refilled land to be planted with indigenous species of plants/grass/herbs etc. – For quick regeneration of plants, seeds can be broadcast

Mitigating Measures Cont’d Communities, the traditional rulers/ opinion leaders should collaborate with regulatory agencies to minimise the impacts of mining Regulatory agencies should be resourced to monitor the mining activities There should be very strong collaboration between the EPA and the Minerals Commission Finally there should be political commitment in solving problems associated with the mining activities

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION