?says chamber of mines
The Director, Public Affairs and Environment, Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr.Ahmed Nantogmah has lamented that due to the absence spatial, functional and development planning policies for mining areas, the mining industry is finding it difficult to act as a catalyst for turning mining districts into centres of development or growth poles.
This, he suggested to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development through town and country planning departments to develop strategic spatial plans for the mining areas.
Mr.Nantogmah made these observations during GIZ-SECO/IFEJ/GHEITI, EITI workshop in Koforidua.
?In addition to the social investments made by our members, there is immense scope for the mining resource in the districts to be harnessed for development. The skills acquired by mining company employees through technology transfer could form the basis of an industrial revolution in the mining communities,? he pointed out.
According to him, their members have employed experienced civil, social and environmental engineers who can assist in community development initiatives such as road building, construction and environmental management.
Touching on mining contributions to the economy, he explained that the industry accounts for about 40% of the country?s gross export revenue reinforcing its position as the country?s leading export earner and a major contributor to the country?s balance of payment.
The Director, Public Affairs and Environment, of the Chamber remarked that most mines in the country continue to return about 70% of their earnings through the Bank of Ghana and other commercial banks- more than the minimum statutory requirement of 25%.
?This has significant bearing on the international reserve position of BoG and the stability of the monetary system as a whole,? he observed.
On the mining and community development, he reiterated that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved to community sustainable development plan.
?Under this arrangement, mining companies collaborate with the communities to fund projects that yield both social and economic returns to the communities. These include activities that enhance capacity building for sustainable livelihoods, respect for cultural differences, and building of skills of the community,? he indicated.
He recalled that in 2012, mining companies voluntarily committed US$ 26million to CSD projects in their host community and the country.
On his part, one of the Resource Persons, Mr. Kweku .Boa-Amponsem disclosed that the financial statements provided by mining companies do not provide enough details of the operating/production costs.
Mr. Boa-Amponsem indicated that these items are technical in nature, saying this difficulty may affect the determination of taxable profits and ultimately corporate tax payment.
He suggested to the GRA and the Minerals Commission to conduct studies into the operations of large mining companies with the aim of establishing benchmark costs.
?Ore body characteristics should be considered. This information when available should be used by the GRA as a guide in determining appropriate operating cost,? he suggested.
Touching on the Extractive Industries? Transparency Initiative (EITI) reporting process, he explained that the process has been challenging as companies and government institutions were reluctant to provide data.
Source:?Leticia Sey
