A Characterisation of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Safety Practices at Gbane Site, Bolgatanga Area, Ghana

Abstract

The Gbane site has witnessed a proliferation of Artisanal and Small
Scale Mining (ASSM) activities for several years. ASSM is very
important in Ghana since it contributes to the economic development
of the country. It has reduced unemployment amongst the youth in
Gbane and its environs. The SSM sector has contributed substantially
to the total quantity of gold produced per year in Ghana. However,
this has been achieved at the expense of the health and safety of
miners as they are prone to accidents. This paper work provides an
overview of the safety practices of SSM in Nalamtaaba Mining
Enterprise and Artisanal mining operations in the study area, and
feasible measures of managing safety and health hazards in the mines.
In conducting this study, the SSM site and six unregistered mine sites
were visited, interviews were conducted and questionnaires were also
administered. It was realised that small scale miners focused more on
the pursuit of gold with total disregard to the safety aspects. About
30% of the miners utilised Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
during operations. The results revealed that, the improper use of
PPEs, proliferation of mercury application and non-adherence to
work safety protocols were widespread irrespective of the legal status
of the mine. Formalising or rebranding a mine in terms of name
change without improving on the work ethics, training of the human
resources and enforcement of the laws will not yield any meaningful
results in the formalisation of artisanal and small scale mining in
Talensi area.