Publications Mining & Community Research

Dumakor-Dupey, N. K. and Bansah, K. J. (2017)

SME Annual Meeting ― Feb. 19 - 22, 2017, Denver, CO

Abstract

We made site visits to determine potential environmental issues caused by artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in the Tarkwa Mining Area (TMA) of Ghana. Activities of the diggers were observed to degrade vegetation, land and water. Improper handling of mercury was also identified as a major threat to people and ecosystem. Large abandoned pits and trenches posed fall traps to farmers, hunters and wildlife. We argue that lack of adequate monitoring and regulatory enforcement by Ghanaian authorities, together with inappropriate mining processes, probably due to lack of technical expertise are contributing factors to the environmental issues of artisanal and smallscale mining in the TMA.

Bansah, K. J., Dumakor-Dupey, N. K. and Sakyi-Addo, G. B. (2017)

SME Annual Meeting ― Feb. 19 - 22, 2017, Denver, CO

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) occurs in many countries around the world, and provides a source of livelihood to many impoverished local people in areas where it occurs. This paper reports the role of female participants and reasons why they engage in ASM. Field visits were made to 12 ASM sites located in the Tarkwa Mining District of Ghana to conduct interviews with male diggers and female participants. It was observed that over 100 women between the ages of 18 and 50 participate in ASM for survival. They engage in ASM largely because they have no alternative employable skills and income sources. These female participants depend on ASM to sustain the lives of their dependents.

Bansah, K. J., Kansake B. A. and Dumakor-Dupey, N. K. (2016)

4th UMaT Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference, 42 ― 48

Abstract

Explosive energy is adopted in hard rock mining to disintegrate rocks and consolidated formations to desirable sizes for appropriate end use. The fragmentation process may result in undesirable vibrations that can impact on structures within the vicinity of the blast. Ground vibrations and airblast resulting from blasting have been found to induce or expand existing cracks and alter the integrity of building and engineering structures. Inadequate study of pre-mining conditions of structures within surrounding environments of mining activities that utilize blasting for fragmenting rocks have led to a series of conflicts between nearby affected communities and mine operators; consequently, affecting production, corporate image and worker morale. To mitigate potential conflicts due to blast vibrations, it is necessary to conduct baseline structural assessment to ascertain the integrity of building structures within the vicinity of mining operations. This paper demonstrates the significanc