Chamber of Mines advocates for increase in royalties
Accra, Feb. 16, 2012
The Ghana Chamber of Mines is advocating the return of 30 percent mineral royalties to mining communities. This, they say, should be tied to specific infrastructural projects to induce development in mining communities in the country.
The current 5.5 percent given to communities as royalties have been described as woefully inadequate.
The CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Toni Aubyun made this know at a forum to address
challenges faced by artisanal and small scale mining companies in Ghana.
Artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) companies in the country play an important role in the development of the country.
Their activities have not only contributed to revenue generation but have also helped in reducing unemployment.
Unfortunately most of them remain largely unorganized and informal. Less than 30% of ASM operators are registered, but their operations have been termed illegal since they operate outside their concession..
Stakeholders who were present at the forum say the sector is facing lots of challenges ranging from inadequate concession for small scale miners, invasion by foreigners and the bad impression the public has on small scale mining.
According to Dr. Tony Aubynn, illegal mining has taken on an alarming dimension. He says that illegal miners expand their activities to public lands, polluting water bodies and destroying these natural
resources.
Stakeholders are therefore calling on government and local authorities to review, strengthen and enforce the laws on Artisanal and small scale mining. They are also calling for firm and bold laws to clarify conflicting situations between small scale miners and large scale miners.
Winiefred Ampiaw, e.tv Ghana news
Accra, May 17, 2012
Government’s management of revenue generated from the country’s oil and gas resources will today come under intense scrutiny ... 