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 none and 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.