Vice-President Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revitalize Small-Scale Mining Sector

In a bid to overhaul Ghana's mining industry, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has presented a series of proposals aimed at bolstering the small-scale mining sub-sector. Speaking at the third annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision to position Ghana as a key player in the African gold market across various value chains.

"Our overall goal is to build a robust small-scale mining sector to become a leading player in Africa across several value chains, while exporting high-value-added downstream products," stated Dr. Bawumia during the dialogue.

Central to his proposals is the comprehensive reform of the mining industry, including measures to harness existing potentials for maximum benefit. Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of adequately resourcing institutions such as the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) and universities to effectively manage and control the country's mineral resources.

Furthermore, he announced plans to empower academic institutions like the UENR and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to contribute to the exploration of Ghana's natural resources. Dr. Bawumia stressed the significance of Ghanaian ownership of resources, proposing the establishment of a Mineral Development Bank to support the mining sector.

The Vice-President also addressed the issue of illegal mining, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to mitigate environmental degradation and maximize socio-economic benefits. He proposed the establishment of additional gold buying centers by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) to facilitate the formalization of small-scale mining activities.

Under Dr. Bawumia's envisioned reforms, periodic training programs for miners and the introduction of a mining curriculum in schools aim to promote responsible mining practices and environmental reclamation efforts. He also underscored the vast untapped potential of Ghana's gold reserves, citing estimates from the GGSA indicating significant unexplored areas.

However, Dr. Bawumia cautioned against the detrimental effects of unregulated mining practices, stressing the importance of sustainable development in the industry. He acknowledged the global challenges posed by harmful mining activities and affirmed Ghana's commitment to addressing these issues.

The Vice-President's proposals signal a concerted effort to revitalize Ghana's mining sector, aiming for sustainable growth and responsible resource management. If implemented, these reforms could position Ghana as a prominent player in the African mining landscape while fostering socio-economic development and environmental stewardship.

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