The Ghana Chamber of Mines is calling for a measured approach to the ongoing dialogue regarding contract mining and local content, urging media outlets to prioritize nuance over sensationalism. As the government moves to deepen the involvement of local companies in the mining value chain, industry leaders emphasize that the transition must be handled with surgical precision to protect the economic stability of the sector.
Recent reports have suggested a potential “crackdown” by the Minerals Commission (MINCOM) on major mining entities, with rumors of mine shutdowns circulating. However, industry representatives clarified that the reality is far more collaborative.
The Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Ken Ashigbey, said “It is important that we tone down on the sensationalism,” a spokesperson for the industry noted. “The Minerals Commission isn’t coming down to shut down mines. There is a constructive, ongoing engagement between the Chamber, our members, and the CEO of the Minerals Commission.”
The dialogue centers on a government policy intended to shift more mining operations to local firms—a move the industry says it supports, provided the execution is non-disruptive.
At the heart of the discussion is the critical link between operational efficiency and national revenue. Industry experts warn that a forced or hasty transition to local contractors without considering technical readiness could have a “domino effect” on Ghana’s economy, Dr Ken Ashigbey said.
“At the end of the day, it’s about what is most optimal for Ghana. We need to handle the transition in a way that is seamless and smooth.”
Dr Ashigbey added that several local contractors are already performing high-level work across various sites,including:
Rabotech, Rockshore and EMP. While these success stories prove that the capacity exists, the Chamber maintains that the decision to outsource should remains a business-driven choice. Whether a mine chooses to perform a task in-house or hire a contractor depends on specific technicalities and the unique “complexities” of each site.
The consensus from the industry is clear: the goal is a “win-win” scenario. By fostering a collaborative environment rather than a confrontational one, the government and the mining sector hope to maximize local participation without compromising the efficiency that makes Ghana a premier mining destination in Africa.
Conversations are expected to continue as both parties work toward a framework that balances national policy goals with the practical realities of large-scale mining operations.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com