Publications Mining & Community Research

Post-Mining Reclamation in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

Bansah, K. J., Sakyi-Addo, G. B. and Dumakor-Dupey, N. K. (2016)

In the Proceedings of International Conference & Exhibition on Advanced & Nano Materials (ICANM2016), August 1 – 3, 2016, Montreal, Canada, 172 – 179

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is often condemned for its environmental and safety impacts. Indeed, it is uncommon to find reclaimed ASM sites in Ghana. This paper reports a successful reclamation effort by an ASM operator in Ghana. Innovative partnership that involves participation of people from host community was utilized to restore degraded ASM sites to support the livelihoods of local population and ensure environmental performance and stewardship. The construction phase of the reclamation process involved backfilling of excavated pits with waste rock (or overburden), distribution of organic-rich topsoil material across the site, and revegetation with native plant species. The successful reclamation of the ASM sites has potential to ensure post-mining landuse that contributes effectively to the productive capacity and stability of the ecosystem. ASM operators should be provided with technical and financial supports to practice reclamation and ensure sustainability in ASM in Ghana.

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Baseline Structural Assessment: Mechanism for Mitigating Potential Conflicts Due to Blast Vibration

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 significance of baseline structural assessment around proposed mining sites. A significant number (˃ 50%) of existing building structures within the study area were observed to have developed multiple cracks.

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Digging for Survival: Female Participation in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in the Tarkwa Mining District of Ghana

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.

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