Plastic pollution poses a growing threat to mineral resource development—hindering mining operations, contaminating valuable resources, and degrading surrounding ecosystems.
These environmental challenges could result in significant economic losses and threaten the long-term sustainability of mining activities.
Tarkwa Nsuaem, one of Ghana’s most mineral-rich regions, is buckling under the weight of plastic pollution. As the world marks this year’s World Environment Day under the theme “Ending Plastic Waste Pollution,” stakeholders in the area are stepping up efforts to protect the environment and safeguard the future of Ghana’s mineral wealth.
Plastic pollution disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems that support mining activities. It contaminates water sources critical for operations, increasing treatment costs and potentially halting production.
Plastic fragments and chemicals leach into the soil and water, affecting ore deposits and underground water sources vital for mining. Over time, the accumulation of plastic waste in soil and sediments threatens the viability of future exploration and extraction.
Despite Tarkwa Nsuaem’s major contribution to Ghana’s mineral economy, plastic pollution is adversely impacting the municipality’s potential.
As part of this year’s World Environment Day commemoration, there’s a renewed call for collective action—urging citizens, companies, and local authorities to adopt eco-friendly solutions to preserve the environment for future generations.
At a durbar to mark the day, Municipal Chief Executive Ebenezer Cobbinah stressed the urgency of environmental protection, emphasizing that the area’s mineral prosperity depends on the health of its ecosystem.
Also speaking at the event, Kwame Apau, Manager of Gold Fields Ghana Limited (Tarkwa Mine), outlined the company’s initiatives to reduce its environmental carbon footprint. He emphasized the need to eliminate single-use plastics, promote recycling, and encourage community collaboration—underscoring the fact that the fight against plastic pollution is a shared responsibility.
To support local waste management efforts, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation donated 10 skip containers to the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly, reinforcing their commitment to environmental sustainability.
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