14 th -15 th May 2019 Topic : Experiences and Challenges of ASGM Presented by Godwin N. Amarh

1. National conference on Artisanal and Small Scale Gold and Salt Mining in GhanaOrganised by Third World Network(TWN) 14th-15th May 2019 Topic: Experiences and Challenges of ASGM Presented by Godwin N. Amarh Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners GNASSM

2. Presentation Outline • Introduction • History of ASGM in Ghana • Brief about GNASSM • ASGM operations Ghana • Experiences and Challenges ASGM in Ghana • Before the Ban and After the Ban • Conclusion and Way forward

3. Introduction Brief background of Ghana National Association of Small Scale miners(GNASSM) Our Mission To promote effective, efficient and responsible Artisanal Scale Mining for sustainable development Our Objectives Building centres for research and development and vocational training , that creates local capacity and innovate local technological, financial, and social solutions for ASM. Providing policy advise and recommendations to government and organisations locally and internationally Elimination of child labour in ASM To promote the regularization and licensing for Small Scale mining To reduce the use of mercury in recovering gold and hence reducing mercury pollution to the environment Promote the empowerment of women in ASM.

4. History of ASGM in Ghana • Ghana is a country endowed with natural resources, from gold, diamond, dimensional stones, solar salt, bauxite, lithium etc. we can therefore say that Ghana as a country is a ‘’Mine.’’ • In Ghana, our forefather started mining use metals before the arrival of the Europeans in the 17th century. ASGM is as old as the mining industry in Ghana. • The ASGM was pushed to the informal sector due colonialism and emergence of concession. • ASGM was also outlawed due to The Mercury Ordinance of 1933(CAP 49) • Prior to 1989, ASM activities, especially gold, was regarded as illegal because of non-existence of legislations to control the activity

5. Formalisation of the ASM Sector Legalisation Government made a policy decision in 1989 to regularise the activities of artisanal and small scale miners. The result was the promulgation of the Small Scale Gold Mining Law, PNDCL 218 (1989) The Mercury Act, PNDCL 217 was also promulgated in 1989 In 2006, the legal regime of ASM was integrated into the new Minerals and Mining Act 2006, (Act 703) Formalisation Technology Compliance to the legal framework Organisation

6. ASGM Operations Definition of Small Scale mines in Ghana, is by the size granted for title or ownership (≥ 25arc). • ASM acquisition is only for Ghanaians • You should be 18 year and above and of and mind Mineral that can be applied for are; • Precious Minerals- gold, diamond, gem stone etc • Industrial Minerals- clay, solar salt, dimension stone, aggregates, sand etc. Ore bodies treated are; • Alluvial • Colluvial(Dig and wash) • Hard rock The ASGM operations can be categorized into three, • Artisanal Mining Operations (AMO) • Semi Mechanised Operations (SMO) • Fully Mechanised Operations (FMO)

7. Benefits of ASM in Ghana • Globally, ASM is a significant sub sector providing livelihood for millions and contributes to poverty reduction and stimulate economic growth. • In Ghana, ASM Contributed 1,031,179.oz (2015) of total gold production. The production of gold up to October 2016, is 1,115,188 oz. The ASM subsector is contributing between 30-35% of total gold produced in Ghana (source from MinCom). • The sector provides employment opportunities to many locals. It is estimated that more than 1,000,000 people are directly involved in small scale mining in Ghana • Foreign earning for the state. • Supplies raw gold for value addition

8. ASM LINKAGES Linkages to other sectors of the economy Investments: Investors Banks Leasing companies Financial services: Banks Mobile transfers Other services: Hospitality Catering services Mechanics Welders and fabricators Electrician etc Exporters: PMMC Assaska AA Minerals jewellers

9. Experiences and Challenges in ASGM Before the Ban After the Ban High fees by MMDA’s Over politicization of ASM Lose of Investment huge debt own by ASM cancellation of ASM license issued from 1st July 2016 Policies that misalign with the reality on the ground. Disregard to the minerals and mining law some State agencies. 900 concessions has been vetted and is about 385 has been granted to work. High fees for licenses Miners being toss between Government agencies • Lack of land minable for ASM • Lack of funds • Poor records keeping • Lack of bankable document due none availability of geological data. • Cumbersome license procedures • Environmental degradation and water pollution • Improper use of chemical • Block out area for small scale miners are being de-blocked for large scale • Corruption in the ASM sector

10. Experiences and Challenges in ASGM • Burning of Excavators and other mining equipment by OV. • Some communities burnt properties of miners (Abekwase, E/R) • Loss of life's. • Mining in the forest reserves by foreigners also increased. • ASM went through Vetting • mapping of concession on to ‘’galamstop’’ platform • Installation of tracking device on excavators • Much talked about project the MMIP has still not been launched.

11. Fees for license and permits for ASM • Application form (Mincom) - ghc 370.00 • Processing fee (Mincom) - ghc 300.00 • Consideration fee (Mincom) - ghc 500.00 • Digging Permit fee (Mincom) - ghc 2000.00 • Application form (EPA) - ghc 1000.00 • Process fee (EPA) - ghc 5000.00 • Publication fees (DA’s) - ghc 1500.00 • Operation permit (DA’s) - ghc4000.00 • Assemble registration ASM - ghc 12,000.00 • Excavator sticker fees (DA’s) - ghc 2000.00 • Low bed with excavator (DA’s) - ghc 500.00 • Stool lands - ghc 2000.00 • Water resources fee - ghs 2000.00 0ther Expenses • Community entry fees -ghc20,000.00 • Surveyors fee - ghc 1500.00 • Tracking device fee (IMCIM) - ghc2000.00 • sign board (IMCIM) - ghc 2000.00

12. Conclusion and way-forward GNASSM will continue to deepen the formalisation of the ASM subsector through its Self Regulation policy. The activities of Members and ASM will be streamlined to contribute towards social, economic and environmental improvement at mining communities. The Self Regulation Policy stands on five major pillar (4E&A); • Education - sensitisation and Training of Miners on responsibly mining and compliance with international guideline and standards. • Engineering – site planning and layout, manufacturing of mining equipment locally, development of recycling water systems for processing etc. • Enforcement- GNASSM taskforce at both local and National Level collaborating with state agencies, monitoring teams to ensure compliance of mining procedures etc. • Empowerment- especially women in ASM, and also small scale miners collaborating seamlessly with State agencies to curb illegal mining at the local level. • Attitudinal Change: we belief that going through the above conscious process it will bring about some changes in the ASM Sector.

13. conclusion and way-forward • Military approach in dealing with illegal mining is a short term measure and does not bring the necessary results in the long term. • ASM issues especially illegal mining, is more technical than political, we need the political will from Government but State institutions should be strengthened logistically to work. • Corruption should be tackled head-on by Government. • Tackling illegal mining is a shared responsibility, when stakeholders collaborate we will achieve the extraordinary. • Government should support the ASM Sector like it does for the Large Scale Operators. • GNASSM believes that the 4E&A will be one of tenets for sustainable ASM

14. Thank You