In a ground breaking move to end the environment dangers posed by the use of toxic chemicals in mining, the Minerals Commission has piloted new mercury-free machines in six mining communities
The Commission has already procured five of the machines, but there are plans to scale up the number to 100.
The Minerals Commission is confident the use of the machines in small scale mining will enhance the potability of water bodies along the mining areas of the country.
The mercury-free mining machines will become essential when Ghana’s community project begins in full swing.
Martha Amoako, the director of Strategy and Operations of extractive solutions provider, Commodity Monitor, has emphasised the need to embrace modern mining technology that prevents the release of toxic mining materials into the environment at the detriment of host communities and the society as a whole.
She was explaining the efficiency of the new mercury-free technology, which is able to ensure 90% minimum gold recovery and does not make use of too much water.
The technology is seen as key to operationalising government’s community mining agenda, while overcoming the dangers of galamsey.
Martha Amoako lauded the new technology and says this could turn away many illegal mining practices.
“This is going to help because the government now has a community mining agenda and this needs technology to progress,” she said.
