The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Mining, Mr. George Mireku Duker, has commended Cape Coast Resources for their brave decision to part some of their mining concession for government’s flagship Community Mining programme.
The Deputy Minister on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon.Samuel A. Jinapor gave the applause on Tuesday, 5th December 2023, when he welcomed officials from Cape Coast Resources Limited and representatives from the Aowin Municipality led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi to conclude discussions on the pact between the two parties and to further launch the CMS in the Municipality.
He admonished the Mining company to have a written document detailing a well-thought-out negotiation with the leaders of the community to avoid unwarranted disagreements in the cause operations and to also ensure responsible mining which will serve the interest of the people and the country.
Mr. Mireku Duker further directed the Technical team from the Ministry and the Minerals Commission as a Matter of urgency to get the place set up for the launch while providing operational modalities which spell out regulations to adhere to best practices in the operations of the scheme under the small-scale mining architecture.
Describing the decision by the company as good news, Hon. Duker hoped the scheme would fulfil government’s aspirations to create decent jobs for the teaming youth and ward off people from polluting waterbodies while reducing the negative impact on the environment.
He was quick to announce that as part of responsible small-scale mining practices under the scheme, government through the Ministry would support them with a mercury-free machine to extract the gold and without the use of mercury.
Mr. Daniel Wilson, Country Manager of Cape Coast Resources, reaffirmed the company’s readiness to cede part of their mining concession for the Community Mining programme and pledged their willingness to foster closer collaboration with the locals of Ankaasi Community to make the programme a resounding success.
He said, his company looks forward to having all issues about licencing resolved to obtain an amicable relationship with the community members.
Other members present at the meeting were Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Advisor on Mining to the Minister, Mr. Peter Awuah, Technical Director, Mines and Mr. Bismark Quaynor, Cape Coast Resources, Administrator.
