News
The technical team of the PlanetGOLD Ghana project conducted sites selection visit to some proposed mining districts to kickstart the implementation phase of the project. The team visited Adansi North, Amansie South, Amansie West, and Amansie Central districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
Addressing staff of Environmental Protection Agency in the Ashanti Region, the Project Coordinator spoke about the Project scope, its objectives, activities, and the expected role of the Regional office.
Touching on the site selection, he said each pilot site must have the requisite Licenses; use mercury for ore processing and be willing to work with the project among others.
During discussions with some community members and mine managers, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Lovelace Sarpong disclosed that the pilot site selection is being done in accordance with the planetGOLD criteria for Environmental and Socially Responsible Operations.
Explaining the criteria for selection, he indicated that the pilot mine must be prepared to reduce mercury in the mining process. Additionally, Mine managers are required to safeguard the rights of the vulnerable population and provide mitigation measures to reduce the impact of their operations on biodiversity.
The Managers of the visited mines expressed their readiness to be enrolled onto the project and welcomed the support aimed at reducing mercury use in Artisanal Small-Scale Gold mining. Mr. Sarpong expressed the project's commitment to support the mines to formalize their operations.
The planetGOLD Ghana project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) seeks to minimize the risks associated with mercury use in the ASGM sector, while improving financial inclusion and facilitating the transition into the formal economy.
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