Ghana’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), in partnership with the Minerals Commission, has begun a nationwide registration exercise for small-scale miners and artisanal mining groups.
The initiative, initially piloted in the Western and Western North regions, aims to formalize and regulate the sector, introducing structure, accountability, and environmental oversight to an industry that supports millions of Ghanaians.
rCOMSDEP said the exercise has three main objectives: formalizing artisanal mining groups into legally recognized cooperatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and aligning operations with national mining laws.
Selected sites will undergo geological assessments to determine mineral potential and economic viability, ensuring sustainable operations.
The Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) will carry out field inspections and evaluations.
Verified cooperatives will be eligible for Temporary Operating Permits for six months while working toward full licensing, which includes environmental clearances and mining licenses.
The registration process follows a four-phase workflow: collection of member data including National IDs and contacts, geological validation and terrain stability checks, environmental risk screening, and final review by rCOMSDEP and the Minerals Commission.
rCOMSDEP said registered cooperatives will receive continuous technical support and monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards and operational best practices under the Cabinet-approved policy framework.
The exercise will also provide the government with a verified database of miners and groups from which it can purchase gold, ensuring traceability and legitimacy in the supply chain.
Authorities urged all small-scale miners and artisanal groups to cooperate with registration officials and present the required documentation during the pilot phase.
rCOMSDEP said the initiative presents a “unique opportunity to transition into the formal economy, gain legal recognition, and contribute to sustainable development of Ghana’s mining sector.”
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