Prestea: The planetGOLD Ghana project has successfully concluded a two-day onsite training programme for artisanal and small-scale miners in the Prestea Huni-Valley and Wassa Amenfi West Municipalities of the Western Region. The training aimed to promote mercury-free gold extraction and responsible mining practices in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, this initiative is part of the larger planetGOLD Ghana project, which focuses on reducing mercury use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) while improving access to finance, strengthening supply chains, and promoting sustainable practices. Mr. Prosper Yaw Nkrumah, Project Manager for planetGOLD Ghana, emphasized that the project aligns with Ghana's commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, underscoring the importance of responsible mining.
Mr. Nkrumah revealed that pilot mine sites were selected based on criteria such as the absence of child labour, lack of conflicts, community acceptance, and possession of valid mining and environmental permits. He highlighted that the training is expected to have a lasting impact on participants, supporting Ghana's efforts to formalize and professionalize the ASGM sector while ensuring environmental and community health.
The training modules covered a variety of technical and environmental subjects, including basic geology and mineralogy, responsible mining practices, mercury-free gold processing methods, mine environmental management, and mine health and safety management. Participants were also given the opportunity to engage in field visits to notable small-scale mining operations such as Okutey Mine and Bazurey Mining Company in Prestea Huni-Valley, and Bugart Mining Company in Wassa Amenfi West. These visits provided trainees with the chance to observe the application of responsible mining practices and mercury-free technologies firsthand.
A total of 136 participants, including 118 males and 18 females, benefited from the programme, gaining practical skills and knowledge to implement safer and more efficient mining operations. Mr. Nkrumah advised the miners to employ qualified geologists and mining experts, maintain accurate bookkeeping, comply with environmental monitoring standards, acquire necessary permits, conduct laboratory tests to determine gold grades, and improve pit safety through proper benching techniques.
The event gathered key stakeholders in Ghana's small-scale mining sector, including experts from the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) officials from Tarkwa, representatives from the Minerals Commission in Asankrangwa, traditional council leaders, artisanal miners, and other industry players.
