How to start small scale mining in Ghana even if you have little experience in the field
Small scale mining in Ghana is one of the most lucrative business ventures that has not been fully explored. However, due to illegal activities carried out by unscrupulous dealers it has been under the red flag by the Government. Illegal small-scale mining leads to the complete destruction of the environment.
Many of the dealers don’t mind even to refill the degraded land due to greed. However, the Government has offered opportunities to potential miners who are willing to venture into the field. However, you must follow some registration process and fill certain requirements before starting your business. It does not require experience or knowledge, or you require is to be registered to operate by the Government.
What is small scale mining?
Unlike large scale mining where intensive labor, technology and experience is a major factor, small scale mining offers a simple way to carry out mining. Small scale mining is usually done on areas with little mineral deposits near the earth surface. It requires simple small-scale mining methods to excavate the minerals.
How to start small scale mining
Before you embark on your small-scale mining business you require a permit from the Government. You will send a letter of permission to operate to the Ministry of Mining, or related bodies like the Environmental Authority. In the letter, you will state the kind of mining you will be involved.
You will state the period you will take in the mining activity. The processes of excavating will also be included. You will note down the practices you will employ during the extraction of the minerals. You will also state the land reclamation methods you will take in order to refill the land after the mining process. The ministry will look at the effects of your business on the environment.
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They will carry out an investigation with their officials on the proposed sight of operation. After the analysis and review has been done, you will receive a letter of permit giving you access to start your mining activity. You will sign an agreement contract stating your commitment in conserving the environment.
Before receiving the permit, you will pay a reclamation bond. The bond will help in the reclamation of the land area where you will carry out the mining activity. The policy is to ensure that all small-scale miners are obligated to take care of the environment in which they operate.
The registration process is meant to discourage the rampant rise of illegal mining activities that have degraded resources such as water and soil. The mining commission has set punitive measures for all dealers in illegal mining activities.
Once you have received the official permit, you will be licensed to operate your small-scale mining business. You will however have to learn how to manage small-scale mining business in order not to harm the environment.
Once you have been licensed to operate by the Mining Commission of Ghana, you will be closely monitored by district assemblies to ensure you follow the rules and regulations pertaining to your license.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
