1 DR. TONI AUBYNN (CEO, MINERALS COMMISSION) KEY PROVISIONS IN GHANA’S MINERALS & MINING POLICY: FOR EFFECTIVE & EFFICIENT MGT. OF MINERAL RESOURCES OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF GHANA’S MINERALS AND MINING POLICY

GHANA’S MINERALS & MINING POLICY 2 The policy seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for mining to catalyse Sustainable Development.

INTRODUCTION AND POLICY CONTEXT [1] 3  Ghana is endowed with immense economic mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite, limestone, clays, kaolin, mica, etc unexploited deposits: iron ore, mica, columbite-tantalite, feldspar, quartz, salt etc. industrial minerals – e.g. brown clays, kaolin and silica sand are being exploited on small scale to supply local industries in ceramic, paint and glass manufacturing respectively. huge potential in solar salt production remains to be fully realized.  Various geo-scientific studies have been completed : occurrence of base metals (Ni, Cu, Zn ) and Chromite in the country.

INTRODUCTION AND POLICY CONTEXT [2] 4  The Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) was launched in 1983 to halt the general decline in the economy by resuscitating its major sectors including the mining sector. adjustment of cedi exchange rate to realistic levels retention of foreign exchange to purchase spares and consumables Disposals of loss making state enterprises  As a result of the ERP and other policy measures, the mining sector has become the highest foreign exchange earner for the country.

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POLICY FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES 7 The policy seeks to establish a comprehensive and forward looking framework for mining to catalyse Sustainable Development.

POLICY FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES 8  Diversify mineral production base  Optimize mineral revenue collection  Generate skilled manpower of local origin  Create demand for local goods and services  Contribute to infrastructure development  Catalyst for wider investment in economy  Adopt principles of the AU and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining in promoting good governance and transparency in the extractive sector  Implement policies outlined in the African Mining Vision, By consolidating various policies in the mining sector, key objectives have been outlined to support the sustainable development of the national economy. These are:

HIGHLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: MINERAL LICENSING 9 A modern mineral cadastre is being developed to facilitate and streamline the administration of mineral rights. Effective consultation with mining communities is an important aspect of the mineral licensing process Security of tenure of mineral rights is guaranteed.

HIGHLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION 10 Environmental Regulations on mining is to ensure that mining is carried out in a modern, safe and environmentally sound manner Mineral activities can only commence after environmental and other permits have been obtained Key regulatory agencies would maintain constant interaction among them to ensure effective mineral right administration

HIGHLIGHTS: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 11 The Policy seeks to reduce occupational health and safety hazards associated with mining to the barest minimum. Child labour in mining is outlawed

HIGHLIGHTS: FISCAL POLICY FOR MINING 12 The Policy seeks a fair sharing of revenues generated while attracting investment into the sector Favourable fiscal provisions have been developed to attract investment into the sector.

HIGHLIGHTS: SMALL SCALE MINING ISSUES 13 Small-scale miners would be assisted to improve upon their operations Small-Scale mining is reserved for Ghanaian citizens Government will continue to ensure the use of appropriate, safe and affordable techniques in small-scale mining

HIGHLIGHTS: MAXIMIZE BENEFITS AND MINIMIZE COSTS OF MINING [1] 14 Government will ensure that mining is integrated with other sectors of the economy. Mining inputs and services shall be of local origin to the maximum extent possible The rights and interests of landowners and local communities regarding benefits accruing from the use of land shall be guaranteed during the entire mining process. Alternative livelihood programmes to improve the economic condition of communities shall form an integral part of the planning for any mining activity

15 Diversification of the Mineral Production base SALT SALT: Secure continued development of an efficient salt industry that will extract all possible by and co-products for the domestic and regional markets. BASE METALS: Results of recent exploration work have shown occurrences of base metals; Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr in some parts of the country. Further exploration of these deposits will be promoted to determine their economic viability. OTHERS: Unexploited deposits of iron ore, limestone, Columbite-tantalite also exist. As energy generation and other infrastructure improves, advantage will be taken of their existence to facilitate the exploitation and development of such deposits. HIGHLIGHTS: MAXIMIZE BENEFITS AND MINIMIZE COSTS OF MINING [2]

CONCLUSIONS 16  Mining Policy Developed through a wide participatory approach with comments and inputs from the general public as well as from various institutions having responsibility for the mining sector.  The policy seeks to establish a comprehensive and forward looking framework for mining to catalyse sustainable development.  Stakeholder Collaboration needed to implement policy to optimise:  benefits from the mining sector to contribute to structural transformation of Ghana’s economy.

17 Thanks for your attention