Artisanal and small scale miners urged to embrace safer mining technologies
To address the health and environmental risks associated with mercury and other heavy metals in Ghana's mining industry, artisanal and small-scale miners have been urged to adopt new, environmentally friendly mining technologies.
This shift is crucial for protecting the health of both current and future generations. Dr. Eric Gyimah, a lecturer and researcher at the Environment and Safety Department of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), made this appeal during a workshop held on Tuesday at the UMaT Conference Hall in Tarkwa.
The workshop, part of a TechCamp project sponsored by the US Embassy through UMaT, aimed to promote zero mercury usage and raise awareness about the harmful effects of improper heavy metal use in mining. Attendees included artisanal miners, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Minerals Commission, and the Ghana Education Service.
Dr. Gyimah highlighted the far-reaching dangers of mercury contamination. "Mercury does not only affect those on-site," he explained. "It can travel up to two kilometers through the atmosphere, settling on ice and eventually falling back to Earth. Through runoff, it enters water bodies and the food chain. Its impact is complex and pervasive."
Dr. Gyimah also expressed concern that a safer technology developed by UMaT’s Professor Amankwah had not been widely adopted by small-scale miners. However, he assured that efforts would continue to develop affordable and safer alternatives. "We remain committed to finding better solutions," he said. "The goal is to provide alternatives that protect the environment while allowing miners to achieve their goals."
Mr. Napoleon Tanoh, Public Relations Officer for the Tarkwa Branch of the Small-Scale Miners Association, thanked the organizers for the educational workshop. He expressed hope that the information would be disseminated among all members and lead to improved practices. "We have ensured that representatives from all our mining communities are here to learn and spread the message about the dangers of mercury," he said. "It’s essential for us to handle mercury carefully to preserve our lives."
Mrs. Mary Perpetual Kwakuyi, the lead coordinator for the project and CEO of Goshen Global Visions, outlined several health issues linked to improper mercury use, including birth defects, kidney and liver damage. She emphasized the need for increased advocacy and safer alternatives. "Our focus should be on finding replacements for mercury rather than assigning blame," she said. "We must seek sustainable livelihoods without compromising our health in the process."
Source: https://www.modernghana.com/