Ghana MEST Minister: Demands Strict Mining Environmental Compliance

• Ghana's MEST Minister, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, urged mining companies to comply with environmental laws to minimize ecological damage.
• The Minister's call came during a site visit to Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, accompanied by the EPA CEO.
• Zijin Golden Ridge was commended for its land reclamation, reforestation, and forest preservation efforts, including a plan to revegetate 303 hectares.
• Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings expressed concern over illegal small-scale mining at Osino and pledged to address the issue.
• The expanded mandate of the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to drive greater compliance within the mining sector.

Her remarks underscore a heightened focus on Ghana MEST Minister mining environmental compliance across the industry.

The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, recently issued a strong call for mining companies operating in Ghana to strictly adhere to the nation's environmental laws and regulations. This directive aims to mitigate the severe ecological damage and deforestation often inflicted upon communities situated near mining operations. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized the injustice of local populations enduring environmental degradation as a direct consequence of extractive activities. Her remarks underscore a heightened focus on Ghana MEST Minister mining environmental compliance across the industry.

During a recent site inspection of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited in the Abirem area of the Eastern Region, the Minister articulated her expectation that the expanded mandate of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would lead to greater adherence from mining entities. She expressed confidence that this enhanced regulatory oversight would ensure companies operate in a manner that prioritizes the welfare of the Ghanaian people. The visit, intended to provide first-hand insight into the company's operations, saw Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings accompanied by Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the CEO of the EPA, alongside other high-ranking officials from both the ministry and the agency.

In a positive assessment during her tour, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings specifically lauded Zijin Golden Ridge Limited for its proactive environmental sustainability initiatives. She highlighted the company's significant efforts in land reclamation, reforestation, and the preservation of existing forest areas. The Minister remarked that witnessing these tangible actions was a key highlight of her visit, stressing that environmental commitments like reclamation and reforestation must extend beyond mere rhetoric to demonstrate genuine impact. This praise for Zijin Golden Ridge environmental initiatives serves as a benchmark for other operators in the sector.

The Minister further underscored the critical importance of these practices for minimizing the anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems. She observed a forest cultivated by Zijin for a decade, noting that such growth is a long-term endeavor, emphasizing that trees do not mature overnight. This commitment to long-term ecological restoration is a vital component of responsible mining. Furthermore, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings welcomed Zijin's future plans to establish a recycling facility for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, recognizing the growing necessity for proper disposal and recycling as EV adoption expands globally. The company's Environment Manager, Mr. Kwame Obeng Dapaah, affirmed Zijin's dedication to concurrent reclamation, stating their obligation to revegetate 303 hectares of forest reserve over a ten-year period, with over 40 hectares already successfully restored, showcasing significant progress in mining land reclamation Ghana.

Beyond the commendable practices observed at Zijin Golden Ridge, the ministerial delegation also confronted the stark realities of illegal small-scale mining during their visit. An inspection of an unauthorized mining site in Osino revealed the destructive impact of such activities, with miners fleeing upon the arrival of government officials. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings voiced profound concern over the extensive land destruction caused by these illicit operations and pledged collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to address the pervasive problem.

The issue of illegal small-scale mining, often referred to as "galamsey," was also a major concern for Zijin Golden Ridge. Mr. Kwame Obeng Dapaah, the company's Environment Manager, described it as a significant challenge and urged the government to intensify its efforts to curb the practice. He highlighted the devastating effects of illegal mining on both human lives and the environment, reinforcing the need for stringent Ghana extractive industry regulations. The Minister's visit, coupled with the expanded mandate of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency mining oversight, signals a period of increased regulatory scrutiny and a clear expectation for all mining entities to uphold their environmental responsibilities, ensuring sustainable practices across the nation's extractive industry.

Mining companies operating in Ghana should proactively review and strengthen their environmental compliance programs, particularly those related to land reclamation and reforestation, given the explicit call for adherence by the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology and the noted expanded mandate of the Environmental Protection Agency. This signals increased regulatory scrutiny and potential enforcement actions.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times.