Small scale mining of precious minerals in Ghana - a strategy to improve environmental performance
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Date
2001-12-12
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Abstract
In Ghana small scale mining of precious minerals, such as gold and diamond, has increasingly received emphasis in the mining literature from the perspective of both its growing contribution to the annual output of the minerals and employment. A significant number of people are engaged in the sector and will continue to grow in the foreseeable future.
This thesis gives an overview of the present state of the small scale mining industry in Ghana pointing out the main aspects of mining.
The environmental problems identified to have been created by small scale mining of precious minerals in Ghana, considering the numerous small mines, both legal and illegal, are discussed. These include gaseous emissions, dust, noise, water pollution, forest degradation and social problems.
The thesis analyzes some environmental aspects of the small scale mining affecting Ghana considering the numerous mines scattered throughout the country. It attempts to assess their impacts on the communities around them. Strategies, which could be adopted to minimize the environmental impacts, are outlined.
Description
A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Science degree in Mining Engineering, 2001