The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has proposed underground mining to the calls for a total ban on mining in forest reserves in a bid to fight illegal mining commonly called galamsey.
The government recently announced its intention to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462) when Parliament reconvenes this month.
LI 2462’s revocation according to the government, forms part of its broader strategy to intensify enforcement measures against galamsey, particularly in water bodies and forest reserves, which remain designated red zones where all forms of mining are prohibited.
But Mr. Ayisi said in his personal opinion, mining in forest reserves must be permitted under certain circumstances.
“For me, I think we should allow some form of mining in forest reserves under certain circumstances. Underground [mining], I support it, if you ask me. As to whether the government will take it or not, it is up to the final decision-makers. As to whether we want a blanket ban on all forms of mining in forest reserves.
“It is like this abortion debate, you will see me raising it there. There are some people, no matter what, even if the child is raped, by who they don’t know the person, they will say no, you should give birth, because of religious belief.”
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spams, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital