<<Print>>

As a result of policies successfully introduced by government over the past two decades to encourage Ghanaian investment into the mining industry Ghanaians now account for about 66% of the 200 mining exploration right holders in the country. Hon. Collins Dauda, Minister for lands and natural resources made this known in parliament today in response to a question by Hon. Christopher Addo MP for Bibiani-Ahwiaso-Bekwai. The MP asked the minister to state measures taken by government to enhance the capacity of local mining companies in order to compete effectively in the mining industry. Hon. Collins Dauda said the mineral right fee operated in the country requires Ghanaian investors in the mining sector to pay an average of 10% of what foreign applicants pay. This according to the Minister has helped to attract more Ghanaians into the mining industry. In a related development:- Four Companies Show Interest In Nyinahin Mining Project Four companies have been granted access to the Nyinahin Bauxite mining project in the Atwima-Mponua constituency to examine the mineral deposits there after which the companies may apply for licence to mine. The Companies are VIMETCO NV, Alara Resources, Aluminium Company of America (ALCOA) and Global Ventures. Hon. Collins Dauda, Minister of Lands and Natural resources made this known in Parliament when the MP for Atwima-Mponua, Hon. Isaac Asiamah asked him to inform the House about when the Nyinahin Bauxite Mining Project will commence. The Minister said the minerals commission will examine the applications of the mining companies if they apply for licence and make appropriate recommendations to the minister for the granting of mining licence to the prospective applicants.