The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, together with officials of the Ministry, held extensive engagements with Regional Ministers to review the ongoing efforts at dealing with the canker of illegal small-scale mining.

The meeting adopted additional measures to tackle the age-old national problem of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), through a comprehensive approach.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 11, the ministry noted that the government will continue with the dual strategy of reformative measures and strict enforcement.

The Regional Ministers, alongside their respective Regional Security Councils (REGSEC), have been mandated to intensify enforcement actions within their various jurisdictions to contain incidents of illegal small-scale mining.Additionally, the Minerals Commission will enhance our reformative efforts, particularly, through ramping up the establishment of responsible and legal community mining schemes which have regard to the preservation of our nation's environment and landscape.

Mr Jinapor stressed that responsible mining remains a priority, aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of communities impacted by mining activities.

The Lands Ministry emphasised the importance of collaboration with traditional leaders, local communities, and civil society organizations in educating the public and holding illegal miners accountable.

Moreover, the ministry encouraged mining companies to comply with environmental and social standards in their operations.

It assured the public that the government is actively working on land reclamation projects in areas affected by illegal mining and remains committed to protecting water bodies and restoring degraded lands.

"Government remains steadfast and committed to continue to restore order and ensure that mining activities are conducted sustainably and legally in the national interest. We entreat all and sundry, to support these efforts to enable us to protect our environment, preserve our water bodies, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come."

"While Government warmly welcomes the heightened interest in this all-important national issue, we urge the discourse to be devoid of partisanship so as to enable us to galvanise the needed national and collective support to root out this canker," the statement said.

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