MINING METHODS EMPLOYED IN ARTISANAL AND SMALL SCALE GOLD MINING IN GHANA AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECTOR

Abstract

The selection of a suitable mining method for a particular deposit is an important attribute required for the environmental, safety and economic sustainability of a mining project. This multi-criteria task is a complex task for mining engineers as the selected method must suit the technical, economic, environmental and safety requirements of the mine. In Large Scale Gold Mining (LSGM) operations, several mining methods have been developed and designed based on engineering principles to match the attributes of the various deposits exploited. However, in Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM), mining method selection and its implications on the safety, economic and environmental sustainability of the operations have been given little attention. The miners employ any abecedarian methods which result in ground failures subsequently leading to fatalities, environmental degradation and low ore recovery. This paper evaluates the mining methods employed in ASGM in Ghana and the contribution of the employed mining methods towards the sustainable development of the sector. The method employed is the review of literature on mining methods employed in ASGM operations in Ghana and field visits to 4 ASGM sites in Tarkwa and Prestea. A total of 14 mining methods were identified to be employed in ASGM operations in Ghana. Results from the evaluation indicated that all the methods were not sustainable as they were associated environmental degradation, poor safety and low productivity. It is therefore recommended that for sustainable ASGM in Ghana, there should be mining methods developed based on engineering principles that will suit the various deposits exploited. Also, it is recommended that mining related engineering professionals be engaged in ASGM to ensure effective implementation of the designed mining methods and subsequently promote sustainable development of the sector.