CURBING ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS FROM SMALL SCALE
MINING/ (GALAMSEY)
BY
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA)- ASHANTI REGION
OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION
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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
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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
Cocoa farm will not be
spared
IMPACTS
River
pollutionloss of;
aquatic life,
drinking
water,
habitat,
quality and
quantity
High Turbidity of the River
Impacts cont’d
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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 menaceprostitution,
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