The President of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana, Mr Michael Kwadwo Peprah, has moved to dispel misconceptions about the country’s small-scale mining industry, emphasising that the sector operates strictly within well-defined legal and geographical boundaries.

Speaking in an interview on Class 91.3 FM’s morning show hosted by Kwame Dwumour Agyemang, Mr. Peprah explained that the small-scale mining sector is regulated through officially designated “block-out” areas, where licensed miners are permitted to operate.

“Technically, we have a block-out area that has been assigned for small-scale mining.

In that block-out area, you can only apply for your concession to mine,” he stated.

He noted that these zones are carefully mapped out to prevent encroachment, adding that officers from the Minerals Commission regularly conduct inspections to ensure miners remain within their licensed territories.

“Periodically, the Minerals Commission comes there to check and make sure people are mining within their demarcated licensed area,” he said.

Mr. Peprah also pointed out that many disputes within the sector stem from allegations of trespassing into neighbouring concessions.

“Most times, there are litigation issues that border on trespassing.

It’s hard for someone licensed to mine in one district to be operating miles away. It’s impossible,” he emphasised.

Outlining the process for acquiring a small-scale mining licence, he explained that prospective miners must first visit a district Minerals Commission office to review available block-out areas and obtain maps of designated mining zones. After identifying a suitable site, surveyors prepare maps and coordinate data for submission to the Commission for verification and approval.

Once an application passes the initial assessment, a 21-day public notice is issued within the district to allow community members and traditional authorities to raise any objections before final approval is granted.

Mr. Peprah further reminded miners that under Ghana’s mining laws, no mining activity — whether licensed or small-scale — is permitted within 100 metres of rivers or other water bodies, a regulation frequently violated by illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey operators.

He called for greater public understanding and enforcement of these legal boundaries to protect both the environment and the integrity of legitimate small-scale miners.