Ghana’s Minerals Commission has proposed a revised model for small-scale mining to improve the management of the sub-sector and reduce illegal mining.

Dr Toni Aubynn, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Minerals Commission, told participants at the first ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum & Exhibition that plans are underway to re-categorise mining in Ghana into artisanal, small-scale, medium-scale and large-scale.

He said the artisanal mining and small-scale mining category would continue to be for the preserve of Ghanaian nationals only whilst the medium-scale and the large-scale mining categories would be open to foreign participation.

“A policy proposal is to this effect being considered by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources,” Dr Aubynn disclosed.

He said the outcome of the revised model is to ensure improved performance such as production, sustainable mining practices of small-scale mining sub-sector, enhanced economic empowerment and reduction in illegal mining.

The CEO said the Commission is to invest in geological investigations of earmarked areas for artisanal and small-scale mining.

He said areas found to have potentials for mining would be demarcated for prospective small-scale miners and such areas subjected to Environmental Impact Assessment.

“This will enable government source for financial and technical assistance including health and safety issues, monitor and evaluate their activities to ensure efficiency and compliance,” he said.

Dr Aubynn also disclosed that the Minerals Commission is currently being supported by the Australian Government to deploy a fully-fledged mining cadastre system to enable application for Mineral Rights to be done online to reduce the license processing cycle.