The World Gold Council (WGC) and the Ghana Chamber of Mines have held high-level discussions aimed at tackling illegal and unregulated gold mining while strengthening transparency across Ghana’s gold supply chain.
The meeting, held after engagements at the Mining in Motion conference and follow-up discussions in London, focused on practical reforms to formalise the artisanal and small-scale mining sector and reduce illicit financial flows linked to organised crime.
Speaking during the discussions, Mr. David Tait, President of the World Gold Council, noted that global attention on illicit mineral flows has increased significantly in recent years.
Following recent geopolitical developments, there is growing concern within the G7 and G20 about the source of gold from developing countries. Addressing artisanal mining challenges is therefore critical to ensuring transparency and responsible sourcing, Mr. Tait said.
He outlined a proposal for a centralised gold buying and processing system that would allow small-scale miners to bring their ore to designated facilities, receive instant payment, and participate in a traceable and formal supply chain.
He added that the WGC has developed technology that can trace gold back to its geological source. By bringing miners closer to processing plants, aggregators, and refineries, Ghana can open its gold sector more confidently to the world, he added.
Under the proposal, up to five processing plants could be established close to mining communities. Major mining companies, including Newmont, have expressed interest in similar models, while discussions on financing and government collaboration are ongoing.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical step towards addressing illegal mining.
If we can cut off illegal financiers and supply chains, particularly the smuggling of cyanide into the country, we will make significant progress in addressing illegal mining, the CEO said. He added that the Chamber based on the work started by NewMont and other members, the Chamber was fashioning our a framework for model responsible ASM that will augument the government Responsible Cooperative Mining model.
He emphasised the need for more processing plants close to mining communities, stronger engagement with government on land access, and partnerships with academia and civic institutions to educate and professionalise small-scale mining operations. He added that when our members ceed land it should result in protection of our concession from further encrochment and the protection and security of our operations.
Ing. Ashigbey said we have a responsibility to ensure that Ghana’s gold is not tainted. This is important for national security, environmental sustainability, and intergenerational equity.
Both organisations expressed confidence that, if successfully implemented in Ghana, the proposed model could serve as a blueprint for other gold-producing countries seeking to formalise artisanal mining and promote responsible gold sourcing.