Extractors of industrial minerals urged to comply with regulations
Mr. Evans Adade, a Senior Mines Inspector, on Tuesday called on extractors of industrial minerals to comply with regulations in order to protect the environment, lives and property.
He made the call at a one-day workshop on “Responsible Exploitation of Industrial Minerals” organized by the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission for extractors of industrial minerals at Takoradi.
Mr. Adade who was speaking on the draft Mining and Explosives Regulations, said a lot of damage has been caused to the environment and property by extractors of industrial minerals who failed to follow regulations.
According to him, the draft regulations would empower the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission to enter, inspect and examine any mine, quarry, works or associated plant to ensure compliance.
Mr. Adade said inspectors of the division would also determine whether the safety and health of workers were being protected.
He said the division could hold inquiries into accidents and impose fines and penalties when necessary.
Mr. Adade said minors are not to engage in mining adding, “No person should be employed in any mine, quarry, works or associated plant unless that person is 18 years or above”.
He said: “In the case of an underground mine, all persons employed should be over 21 years”.
Miss Roberta Ghanson, Regional Fire Safety Officer, who spoke on: “Fire Prevention and Management”, advised business establishments to obtain Fire Certificates.
She said the certificates are issued to institutions after they had put in place fire safety measures.
Miss Ghanson said the certificates are renewed after 12 months and could be withdrawn if fire safety measures are overlooked.
Mr. Alfred Ayan, a Senior Programme Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said methods being used by some mining companies to detonate explosives are causing concern.
He said another challenge facing the EPA is the presence of hand breaking operators in residential areas.
Mr. Ayan said the agency would stop them from operating in those areas because of the health and safety of people in the communities.
Source: GNA