The Ghana Bauxite Company has revealed plans to reclaim and restore vegetation cover in depleted parts of its concession.
Presently, exploration work is being undertaken in parts of the mine’s concession where digging has already been done.
General Manager, Alexander Gyedu explains a comprehensive report will guide management’s plans to reclaim and restore the vegetative cover.
“We are undertaking the exploration work in areas we have mined already, if we do not find any minable areas, we will reclaim and plant trees,” he said.
The Ghana Bauxite Company has existed for over eight decades, mining a chunk of the concession.
Bauxite mining often involves the removal of vast stretches of forested land, leading to the destruction of biodiversity and the destabilization of local ecosystems.
In the case of GBC, the surface mining has left large tracts of land barren. The company is optimistic the strategy to restore some of the lost vegetative cover will improve the environment and also deepen commitment towards sustainable mining.
Already, Mr. Gyedu has indicated support for the government’s efforts to restore lost vegetative cover through the National Tree Planting Day.
“We have received a letter for the Forestry Commission seeking support for the National Greening Day; we have consistently supported such projects and we will continue to do so,” he added.
Additionally, the company is deploying surface miners to improve the sustainable mining of bauxite.
Already, one surface miner is being used for operations as efforts are made to secure three new ones before the close of the year.
“We are working on securing more surface miners so that our operations will not cause a lot of environmental pollution, negatively affecting communities in our catchment area,” Mr. Gyedu added.
The present drill and blast method is expected to ease to allow for surface mining which has less negative effect on the environment.
The drill and blast operations, which are largely used in the mining of bauxite, produce air and noise pollution that negatively impact the environment.
Until the new administration took over the Ghana Bauxite Company, operations largely depended on drill and blast methods, with attendant risks.
The new investors are shifting to the surface mining of bauxite as a more environmentally-friendly operation.
Speaking at the commissioning of a Community Relations Office, Alexander Gyedu said “this transition aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, enhance resource recovery and reinforce our commitment to sustainability.”
Meanwhile, the company says it remains committed to abiding by all regulations on the environment.
“The company for its existence has been law abiding; all regulatory permits that allow us to do mining operations are secured. We have a bond posted at the Environmental Protection Agency as well,” he added.