Minister of Environment Science Technology and Innovation, Mahama Ayariga, has vowed to ensure that the operations of mining companies conform to globally-accepted environmental safety standards.
[contextly_sidebar id=”8ISAbkUVS5ZBIB2aZYlne1tnQG3CX09E”]His Ministry, he said, will go to all lengths to closely monitor their activities to protect the nation.
Mr Ayariga made this known to journalists after a working tour of the AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi mines.
He said it is the intention of government to make Ghana the best destination for environmentally responsible mining investments, hence appropriate mechanisms are being put in place to speed up the processes and procedures for issuing and granting mining permits.
According to him, the delay in the granting of permits and other licenses by the regulatory bodies is largely to blame for illegal mining.
He charged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should ensure that the permitting system do not hinder mining operations.
Mr Ayariga applauded AngloGold Ashanti for pursuing sound environmental practices.
Fred Attakumah, Managing Director of AngloGold Obuasi Mine, said the mine, has a great potential and a feasibility study is being undertaken for further deep mining.
Source: GNA