The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) has continued its training programme for small-scale miners in Agona Nkwanta in the Western Region, with participants receiving practical lessons on chemical safety, environmental protection, and modern mercury-free gold recovery methods.
The second day of the training focused on promoting safer and more sustainable mining practices, with facilitators educating miners on the proper handling of hazardous chemicals, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
Participants were also trained on the dangers associated with mercury use in gold processing and introduced to mercury-free alternatives, which experts described as safer for human health, environmentally sustainable, and capable of improving gold recovery when properly applied.
Training sessions further highlighted the importance of correctly labelling chemical containers, following safety procedures, avoiding dangerous chemical mixtures, and protecting mining communities from exposure to harmful substances.
The programme forms part of rCOMSDEP’s broader efforts to formalise Ghana’s small-scale mining sector by equipping miners with the knowledge and skills needed to operate responsibly while protecting the environment and public health.
The initiative is helping to build a more professional, accountable, and sustainable mining industry capable of creating livelihoods without compromising Ghana’s natural resources.
As the training continues, participants are expected to apply the lessons learned to improve safety standards, reduce environmental risks, and promote responsible mining practices within their respective communities.
