Accra, Sept 22, GNA - Mr Fred Ohene-Kena, Minister of Mines and Energy said on Accra on Wednesday that the regulation on the use of mercury is to be enforced. He said the measure had become necessary because the use of the substance by the Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector does not conform to standard practice.

Mr Ohene-Kena was speaking at the launch of the Mercury Pollution Abatement Project. "Considering the disastrous effect of mercury on the health of its users, those in the small-scale mining sector will now be required to use appropriate retorts (container) to protect themselves and the environment.

The Minister assured miners that they would be provided with credit facilities to enable them to obtain the necessary tools and equipment for their operations. Mr Ohene-Kena commended ASM for making positive contributions to the national economy in the discovery of mineral occurrences, mineral production and employment creation.

Giving statistics, Mr Ohene-Kena said the sector employs about 30,000 to 50,000 people in rural areas, and that the average annual production is around 100,000 ounces of gold. He praised Metall-Technic, the German company for introducing ThermEx, a maintenance-free, small glass retort, specifically developed for artisanal gold miners.

The Minister advised small-scale miners to take up the challenge and assist to sustain sound environmental management. Mr Leslie Blinker, senior consultant of Industry and Environment at the United Nations Environment Programme said ASM projects address environmental concerns satisfactorily "What miners demand are simply save my health, save my income, and increase my income", and that these demands are fully met by the equipment.

He pointed out that the handling of mercury without any protective gear and the heating of mercury amalgam in open fires could cause major health and environmental hazards. The consultant hoped that the introduction of the equipment would help to minimise mercury pollution to save the environment.