New Abirem:Accra Minister of Environment, Science and Technology and Klottey-Korle MP Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has advocated for responsible mining to become the industry standard in Ghana. This call comes after her visit to Zijin Mining's operations in New Abirem, located in the Eastern Region.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Zanetor's visit highlighted a stark contrast between environmentally responsible practices at Zijin Mining and the destruction observed at illegal mining sites in Osino. She emphasized that mining activities should incorporate environmental protection measures, including land reclamation, rehabilitation, and tree planting, as demonstrated by Zijin Mining.
Dr. Zanetor stressed the importance of ensuring that Ghana's mineral extraction does not come at the cost of water bodies, farmlands, ecosystems, or the well-being of future generations. Her observations pointed to the necessity of adopting responsible mining practices to secure both economic benefits and environmental sustainability.
Her comments are particularly relevant in light of ongoing concerns regarding the environmental impacts of mining in Ghana, such as forest cover destruction, agricultural land degradation, and water pollution linked to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
While her visit to New Abirem allowed for an examination of environmental management practices, Dr. Zanetor's report did not include independent data to quantify the damage at Osino sites or verify the effectiveness of Zijin Mining's measures. Her overarching message was clear Ghana must balance mineral extraction with the preservation of natural resources and public well-being.