Withholding Licenses fuels illegal mining- Minerals Commission CEO

Mr. Martin Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Minerals Commission, has shed light on the best way of dealing with the galamsey menace when he appeared before the Assurances Committee of Parliament.

His insights highlight the complexities surrounding the regulation of mining activities and the necessary steps to address the ongoing crisis.

During his appearance, Ayisi emphasized a crucial point: when licenses for mining operations are withheld, individuals and groups often resort to illegal activities.

“When you don’t give them the licenses, what they would do is that they will go and do it illegally,” he stated, underscoring the need for a more structured approach to licensing.

He warned that simply denying licenses without offering a viable alternative could exacerbate the problem of illegal mining, pushing more people into the shadows of unregulated operations.

Ayisi’s perspective challenges the notion that stricter enforcement alone can solve the illegal mining crisis. Instead, he advocates for a comprehensive investment strategy that includes allocating millions of dollars to the Geological Surveys Authority.

This investment would enhance the government’s capacity to conduct thorough geological surveys, allowing for better-informed decisions regarding mining licenses and regulations.

“The solution to illegal mining is by investing millions of dollars into Geological Surveys Authority, the government explorers,” he explained.

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