Assemblies asked to be abreast with mining rights, regulations

Mr Peter Hodgson, a Principal Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission, has advised officials of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to become more conversant with mining rights and regulations.

He said this would equip the officials with knowledge and skills, to enable them to assist in bringing sanity to the mining sector, particularly small-scale mining.

Mr Hodgson was speaking at a day’s sensitization workshop, organized by the Commission to educate stakeholders in the mining sector on the recently passed minerals law.

In was attended by more than 100 representatives of sand-winners, small-scale miners, quarry companies, chiefs and the assemblies.

Mr Hodgson asked mineral prospecting companies, quarry operators and sand winners to obtain mineral rights from the Commission, before going into business. reclaim devastated lands.

He said the Commission would closely monitor and supervise their operations, to help maintain environmental safety standards.

Mr John Amoanyi, a Senior Inspector of Mines, educated the participants on the Minerals and Mining Explosives of Law (LI 2177) of 2012 that seeks to address challenges associated with the use of explosives in mining and civil works, and to conform to international best practices – health and safety.

Source: GNA