Govt Begins Nationwide Registration of Small-Scale Miners
The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), in partnership with the Minerals Commission, has launched a nationwide registration exercise for all small-scale miners and mining groups across Ghana.
The initiative, piloted in the Western and Western North Regions, aims to formalize and regulate the small-scale mining sector, introducing structure, accountability, and environmental responsibility to an industry that supports millions of Ghanaians.
According to rCOMSDEP, the exercise has three main objectives: the formalization of artisanal mining groups into legally recognized cooperatives, ensuring full compliance with national mining laws, and aligning operations with environmental and regulatory standards.
Selected mining sites will undergo thorough geological evaluations to determine mineral potential and economic viability, ensuring registered cooperatives operate on concessions capable of sustainable production.
The exercise allows the Minerals Commission (MINCOM), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to conduct field inspections and assessments. These assessments form the basis for issuing operating permits, including environmental clearances and mining licenses.
The registration process follows a structured four-phase workflow:
1. Field Data Collection – Teams capture detailed information on cooperative members, including National IDs and contact details.
2. Geological and Terrain Validation – Technical teams assess the proposed concessions’ mineral viability and terrain stability.
3. Environmental Screening – Evaluation of water use, tailings management, and ore processing methods to mitigate environmental risks.
4. Final Review and Permit Issuance – Verified cooperatives will receive a six-month Temporary Operating Permit, allowing monitored operations while preparing for full licensing.
Registered cooperatives will benefit from ongoing technical support and monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards and operational best practices under the Cabinet-approved rCOMSDEP framework.
The initiative will also provide the government with a verified database of registered miners and groups, from which it will purchase gold, ensuring traceability and legitimacy in the supply chain.
Success depends on collaboration among key stakeholders, including traditional authorities and local government leaders. Small-scale miners and artisanal groups across Ghana are urged to cooperate fully with registration officials and submit the required documentation.
The program represents a significant step toward formalizing the sector, granting legal recognition to miners, and promoting sustainable development within Ghana’s mining industry.
