2025/06/12 by Hamenoo, Simon Victory Quarcson, Baah-Ennumh, Theresa Yaaba, King, Rudith S.
#Extent #Land reclamation #Mining cohorts #Post-mining #Reclamation Deficit
paper · doi:10.48346/imist.prsm/ajlp-gs.v8i5.53322
Context and Background Post-mining land reclamation (PMLR) is essential for mitigating environmental degradation caused by mining activities. Despite its importance, significant gaps exist in the literature regarding the extent of PMLR among mining cohorts. This study focuses on understanding the deficits in PMLR practices in Ghana with data from two hotspot mining districts - Amansie West and South Districts of the Ashanti Region. The research examines various mining cohorts, including Large-Scale Mining, Community Mining, Small-Scale Mining (legal), Small-Scale Mining (illegal), and Artisanal Mining, within the Ghanaian mining interface. Goal and Objectives The primary objective of this paper is to analyze PMLR deficits among different mining cohorts and to provide evidence-based insights for improving land reclamation efforts. The study aims to quantify the extent of PMLR across mining cohorts and to highlight the challenges in achieving Land Degradation Neutrality with data from two study districts in Ghana. Methodology A convergent mixed research method combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted, utilizing a cross-sectional research design. Data collection involved key informant interviews with 15 relevant state institutions to gain in-depth knowledge of PMLR practices and deficits. Additionally, site validations of PMLR were conducted in six geographic clusters. The study included interviews with 55 mining cohorts to gather detailed information on their reclamation efforts. Results The findings reveal significant deficits in PMLR among the mining cohorts: Small-Scale Mining (legal): PMLR rate of 16.1% (deficit: 83.9%). Small-Scale Mining (illegal): PMLR rate of 0.096% (deficit: 99.904%). Artisanal Mining: No PMLR recorded (deficit: 100%). Large-Scale Mining: PMLR rate of 0.87% (deficit: 99.13%). The aggregate land reclaimed by all mining cohorts stands at only 0.33% of the total degraded land in the two districts, leaving a reclamation deficit of 99.67%. These findings underscore the negligible impact of PMLR among mining cohorts in the study area. Conclusion The study concludes that PMLR efforts in the study districts are critically insufficient to create the needed equilibrium. The near-total reclamation deficit across all mining cohorts indicates a need for urgent interventions to restore degraded lands and achieve land degradation neutrality and environmental sustainability. Recommendation To address the PMLR deficits, the study recommends that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Minerals Commission organize educational programs on PMLR planning and stockpiling for all mining cohorts. Such interventions are essential to foster compliance with sustainable mining and land reclamation practices.