Continuation: On What You Need To Know About Minerals commission’s Small-Scale Mining Licence Requirement…As Commission Commits To Ensure Responsible Mining
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The Minerals Commission over the years have committed to ensuring responsible and save mining in the country…through this core objective, the commission have documented small-scale mining requirement licence manual in their quest to protect and safeguard the environment.
Among the licence requirement and small-scale licence manual is the continuation of our previous publication below:
x Secure Environmental and Water Use Permits
The Minerals Commission issues letters requesting the Applicant to obtain Environmental and Water Use Permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Water Resources Commission (WRC), respectively
xi Operating Permit
The Applicant takes the Environmental Permit, Water Use Permit, the signed Agreement and a covering letter from the Minerals Commission to the Chief Inspector of Mines to obtain an operating Permit before the commencement of any mining activity.
The Applicant should make available to the District Officer of the Minerals Commission for record purposes, a copy of the Operating Permit obtained from the Chief Inspector of Mines for each year.
The duration of Small Scale and Community Mining Licence is 5 years and renewable upon satisfactory performance during the first term.
3.4 MINE SUPPORT SERVICES
Persons/Companies registered and permitted by the Minerals Commission and other institutions may provide the following services to assist in the implementation of the Scheme:
i. Exploration
ii. Mining
iii. Environmental management
iv. Equipment Hire
v. Financial Services
vi. Centralised Processing Unit
vii. Gold Trading
3.5 LICENCE HOLDERS
The underlisted entities have been identified as prospective licence holders under the Scheme:
i. Limited Liability Companies;
ii. Co-operatives (Registered Groups);
iii. Partnership, and
iv. Sole Proprietorship.
The following entities will be required to:
i. Have valid registration certificates from the Register Generals Department
ii. Obtain the requisite licences and permits i.e. Small Scale Mining Licence, EPA Permit,
Operating Permit, Water Use Permit and Forest Entry Permit;
iii. Comply with the Code of Practice;
iv. Comply with the legislation governing small scale mining.
3.6 CODE OF PRACTICE (ATTACHED AS APPENDIX I)
A Code of Practice developed by the Minerals Commission (Appendix I), shall guide the operations of the Scheme in accordance with Regulation 475 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).
This Code of Practice shall be adhered to by the miners who are licensed/permitted to participate in the CMS and shall be signed off as part of the application process.
APPENDIX I
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SMALL SCALE AND COMMUNITY MINING OPERATIONS
OPERATIONS
a. Small scale miners shall obtain operating permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines of the Minerals Commission before commencing actual mining.
b. The Licensee shall commence digging operations within six months of the date of issue of the licence and shall continue to work diligently whilst the licence is in force unless exempted in writing by the Chief Inspector of Mines or until the licence shall have been suspended or revoked.
c. The boundary lines of the Licensed area to be kept cleared and corners defined by pillars bearing the Digging Licence Number.
d. All small scale miners shall construct Water Storage Facility (WSF) to enable them abstract and store water which they require for their operation in line with Section 13 of Act 522 of the Water Resources Commission (WRC).
e. The Water Storage Facility (WSF) must be accompanied by the construction of not less than three slime storage/settling ponds approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines to recycle the water being used for the operations.
f. Small scale miners shall maintain a buffer zone from water bodies (rivers, streams or creeks) as prescribed by the Water Resources Commission (Riparian Buffer Zone Policy – Recommended Design Standards as in Appendix III)
g. Small scale miners shall not discharge or cause to be discharged any toxic chemicals into the natural drainage during mining and processing.
h. Small scale operators shall conduct concurrent reclamation.
Reclamation certificate shall be issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines to the operators after complete reclamation and after inspection has been conducted and satisfied by an Inspector of
Mines.
i. The small- scale operator shall re-vegetate the reclaimed land with indigenous and economic trees, e.g. acacia, cassia, oil palm, etc.
j. All small scale miners (owners) shall employ a person with at least a Mine Captain Certificate of Competency for the efficient running of their operations.
k. Except as otherwise permitted, the working hours for Small Scale Mining operations shall be between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
l. Small scale mining is strictly prohibited in forest reserves.
m. Small scale mining is strictly prohibited in Environmentally Sensitive areas in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Regulations (Regulation 30(2) of LI 1652, 1999).
n. Small scale mining operators shall submit monthly production and labour returns to the Chief Inspector of Mines through the District Officers.
o. Small scale mining operators are to sell all their produce to companies and their agents who have been duly licensed to purchase gold/diamond.
BLASTING
a. The holder of a small scale mining licence shall not carry out blasting in the mine, if that holder has not obtained the written permission of the Minister to carry out the blasting.
b. No person under the age of 21 years is permitted to use explosives.
c. All handling of explosives must be done under the direct supervision of a person in the possession of a valid blasting certificate issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
d. Explosives or blasting agents shall be transported in an authorised vehicle displaying a flashing light, Explosives sign, a wooden lined box or tray to prevent metal contact on explosives, a red flag with black E on front-rear of the vehicle and fitted with a minimum of 5kg. fire extinguishers.
e. Lower explosive cartridges into holes do not drop them.
f. Blasting is the responsibility of the supervisor who shall ensure that:
(i) No unauthorised personnel are allowed to enter the blasting area and the safety area marked out by red flags.
(iii) Before the blast, one long followed by three short blows on a siren are given. After inspection of the blast area one long siren is given to signal everything is fine.
(iv) Blasting times shall be posted 8 hours in advance on the mine safety notice board located at the project site entrance.
g. All misfires will be inspected by the Blast-man first and then direct to how they should be treated.
h. All persons involved in handling explosives are not allowed to carry smoking materials, lighters or matches.
i. Welding oxyacetylene burning or cutting, naked lights or smoking is prohibited within 25 metres of explosives. This includes:
. When loading or carrying explosives.
. in or around explosives magazines.
. within marked areas where loading takes place.
j. Any machine, excavator, rock drill or vehicle shall not be operated, driven or repaired within a distance of 20 metres of any charged hole.
CRUSHING
a. Employees should not access the crusher ramp without the NO DUMP lights illuminated and light switches safely tagged.
b. No one shall enter on or into the primary crusher grizzly, run of mine bins or associated
chutes without first setting the NO DUMP lights, and barricading the crusher ramp.
c. Safety belts with lifelines shall be worn when entering chutes or bins. A guard must be in attendance whenever anyone is inside a chute or bin.
d. Do not work on any conveyor, screen or other unit unless it is locked out using the correct procedure.
e. No one is permitted to ride or work on or near moving conveyors.
f. Under no circumstances must attempts be made to clear conveyor pulleys with the conveyor in operation.
g. There shall be a start-up alarm with a ten-second delay before starting the crusher plant.
COMMERCIAL PROCESSING CENTRES
a. All commercial processing centres (crushing, milling, and sluicing centres independent of the SSML) shall be registered as support service entities to provide services to small-scale miners.
b. A commercial processing centre shall not be established outside the concession area without the operator obtaining written permission from the Minerals Commission.
c. All machinery used at the processing centre shall be certified by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
d. All activities undertaken at the processing/milling centre shall be detailed in the Operating plan submitted to the Chief Inspector of Mines.
e. A processing centre shall construct at least three slims and settling ponds by the approved Operating Plan.
f. All processing centres shall utilize approved dust arrestors prescribed by the Minerals Commission.
HEAVY MACHINERY EQUIPMENT (HME)
a. All mobile equipment on site must have reverse warning alarms installed on them.
b. All mobile equipment operators on small-scale mining sites shall be DVLA licence holders and have operations certificates of competency from the Minerals Commission.
c. Loose clothing must not be worn around moving machinery.
d. ‘’Out of Service’’ tag to be used on all machines before removing guards. The machine switch must be locked out.
e. Stop the machine before adjusting, oiling or cleaning, unless the machine is designed to be lubricated while in operation.
f. You may operate a machine only after you have authority from your supervisor.
g. All mechanical or electrical faults to be reported to your supervisor immediately.
h. Employees should not wear rings, bracelets, or other jewellery whilst operating machinery.
i. Do not operate a defective or unsafe machine. Report all defects immediately to your supervisor and put an ‘’Out Service’’ tag on the machine in a highly visible location
j. Conduct pre-start checks before starting regular work.
k. Stand clear of all moving equipment or machines-do not get on or off the moving machine.
l. On approaching heavy equipment, attract the operator’s attention by radio or visual signalling. Ensure that the operator confirms your signals before attempting to board the machine.
m. Transporting or allowing any person to ride on equipment is not allowed unless the equipment has been designed for passengers.
n. Technicians and signalmen will wear reflective vests when working in mine areas and all operators are to be constantly aware of their presence.
o. Never go near a tyre which is smoking or burning.
p. Light vehicles and human beings must stay at least 30 metres from mining equipment and to one side if possible.
q. All earth moving and mining equipment operating on small-scale/ community mining sites shall be registered and tracked by the commission.
WELDING AND CUTTING
a. In all welding operations, leather gauntlets, aprons, spats and welding shields with appropriate goggles must be worn as or when directed.
b. When welding or cutting is necessary in known hazardous or flammable areas, fire extinguishers must be readily available for immediate use if necessary.
c. Disposal cigarette lighters are not permitted to be used for lighting oxyacetylene torches; spark lighters only are approved. Note: fatal injuries have resulted from these lighters which have exploded as a result of hot metal fragments melting the plastic fuel
container. Accordingly, lighters must not be carried on the body.
d. Oxygen and acetylene cylinders must be chained when in an upright position. Oxygen cylinders may be choked when lying down. Acetylene cylinders must be stored, used or transported in an upright position only.
e. Do not weld or cut on an enclosed tank which has contained flammable liquid first thoroughly clean it out and fill it with water when possible or ventilate it.
f. Care must be taken to keep welding hoses, cables, or connections from being contaminated with oil or grease.
g. All equipment is to be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition.
h. All empty cylinders must be turned off and gauges removed.
i. Be sure that you have adequate ventilation before doing any welding in a confined place. Oxygen gas must never be used for ventilation.
FIRE PREVENTION
a. To prevent fires from occurring it is important to develop good housekeeping rules in all work areas, i.e. remove rubbish, oils, and greases from floors, and use and store welding and cutting equipment and flammable liquids properly.
b. Know the location, identification and use of all fire extinguishers and hose reels in your work area-if in doubt ask your supervisor.
c. Fire extinguishers identification: –
Extinguisher Type of Fire
Water wood, paper, etc
Dry Chemical Live electrical and flammable, liquids i.e.
petrol, kerosene, oil, fat, paint, etc.
Co2 All types of fires, to a limit of 1000v on electrical fire
d. Do not use water on electrical or flammable liquid fires.
e. There are three things needed to create a fire, they are:
(I) Fuel is anything combustible, any solid, liquid or gas that can burn.
(ii) Heat can come from flames, sparks, cigarette butts, friction, electrical sources, hot pipes and equipment.
FIRST AID
a. The holder of small -scale mining licence who employs less than fifty (50) persons shall provide on the surface of the mine a suitable shelter where first aid may be administered.
b. The holder of small scale mining licence shall appoint competent persons to manage the first aid station(s) and the person appointed shall:
i. be a person each of whom holds a valid certificate in first aid issued by a recognized body approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
ii. be readily available at all times when on duty
c. An Injury Record Book is kept at the site. All minor injuries will be recorded in this book.
d. Injuries other than minor will be reported to and treated by First Aid/Clinic.
e. The supervisor is responsible to maintain a clean and fully stocked first aid kit. Replacement of stock is available from first aid/nurse.
f. Remember First Aid Saves Lives
g. Essential First Aid measures are those which save a life, i.e.
(i) Danger Protect yourself and your patient from all danger
ii. Response-Talk and touch the patient to get a response to your comments
iv. Breaking-Check and maintain breaking
v. Circulation-Check pulse (neck) and control
vi. Seek urgent medical attention-use your2-way radio or mobile phone
RECORD-KEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
a. The holder of small-scale mining or community mining licence shall:
i.Keep copies of the licence and all other permits at the mine site or display them on the noticeboard at the mine site.
ii. Keep records of details of minerals won, quantities sold, revenue received, taxes paid, royalties paid and payable
iii. Keep site register of employees at all times specifying the name, age, gender, next of kin and his/her contact/address
iv. Keep site log book at the site at all times for verification by District Officer/Inspector
b. The holder of small-scale mining or community mining licence shall submit to the commission (using Monthly Returns Form designed by the Commission) at the end of every month, a report summarizing the results of mining operations undertaken in the title area.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RULES
a. Selling and drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited at all small-scale mining sites.
b. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas which are sign-posted.
c. A person below the age of 18 years is not allowed to work in surface operations and years in the case of underground operations
d. Refuse bins shall be provided on-site to avoid littering and shall be disposed of immediately when full to prevent leaching of the refuse into the environment.
e. Fighting or unlawful assault and sleeping are prohibited at small-scale mining sites.
f. Skylarking i.e. practical joking and horse playing shall not be tolerated at the site.
g. Every worker directly involved in small-scale mining operations on site shall wear steel cap boots approved by the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission.
h. Do not smoke when handling flammable material and never use a naked flame to check fuel, battery or coolant levels.
i. Naked fires or bush burning is prohibited at small-scale mining sites.
j. Sanitary/Toilet facilities shall be provided at small-scale mining sites for the workers.
k. Food vendors shall remain on site under a shed so provided by the owner of the mine at the periphery of the concession.
l. Light weapons and small arms and ammunition including offensive weapons are prohibited at all small-scale mining sites unless they are duly licensed.
m. Owner to make sure that workers and the general public are prevented from exposure to any unsafe conditions (dust, noise, whole body vibration, musculoskeletal disorders, thermal stress and chemical hazards).
n. Ensure any hot metal is adequately marked HOT before leaving the work area.
o. Keep the work area clean and tidy at all times. Tools must be stored away tidily. All rubbish is placed in appropriate bins.
p. A sufficient supply of potable drinking water is to be provided.
q. If the work area cannot be made safe, guard or barricade the area
r. Keep all passageways, aisles and exits clear of obstructions.
s. Keep flammable liquids in closed metal containers. Spillage of oil and other lubricants shall be avoided at all times to ensure a safe, healthy and clean work environment.
t. Remove immediately any oils, paints, greases or other fluids that may have been spilt on floors.
u. Report immediately any unsafe conditions, practices, equipment damage or injuries to the Minerals Commission.
v. Whenever an accident occurs at the digging area resulting in death or serious personal injury (injury rendering a person incapacitated from working for at least fourteen days), the receive Licensee shall immediately by the quickest means available give notice in writing to the Chief Inspector of Mines and also to the Inspector of Mines in charge of the district where the area is situated stating full particulars regarding such accident.
Municipal reservoir shoreline protective buffer: 60 to 90 meters (e.g. Weija Dam and Lake Bosomtwe);
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