Tarkwa, Dec. 15, GNA - Mr Collins Dauda, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has urged the security agencies must act decisively to flush out galamsey operators from the country. He said, the activities of galamsey operators, apart from the environmental damages they cause, also expose them to danger, which include deaths, among others.

These were contained in an address read on his behalf at the 2010 annual national mines safety day celebration at Tarkwa. It was on the theme "If it must be mined, it must be mined well". Mr. Dauda said small scale mining must be encouraged instead of galamsey and it should be done in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

He however cautioned Ghanaians, who were acting as agents and registering foreigners as small scale miners that they would be dealt with. In an address read on her behalf, Miss Joyce Aryee said the activities of foreigners in galamsey operations coupled with the adoption and use of cyanide and mercury was a danger that needed to be checked. She said these illegal operators could break into mines to steal such chemicals and mishandle it to the detriment of society. Ms. Aryee reminded all companies to continue operating within the acceptable standards and ensure that safety was paramount to prevent accidents in the mines.

In the oral and practical champion of champion's safety competition, organised as part of the celebration, Chirano Gold Mine in Bibiani emerged winners with 89 points while Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem (AAI) took the second position with 84.5 points.

The third position went to AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi with 80.5 points. In the community competition, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi, won with 76 points while the second position went to Noble Gold Mine at Bibiani with 69.5 points while Goldfields community took the third position with 67 points. 15 Dec. 10