Accra, Dec. 01, GNA - The Ghana Chamber of Mines on Friday urged government to promote implementation of the law on small-scale mining to generate jobs.

Mr Jurgen Eijgendaal, President of the Chamber who made the call, said the presence of illegal miners on companies' concessions was adversely affecting Ghana's image as a safe investment destination. "This is unfortunate and the appropriate authorities must apply the laws in order to protect investment and property." Mr Eijgendaal was speaking at a get together organised by the Chamber to run off activities for the year.

He said activities of illegal miners were also impacting on member's ability to contribute towards the country's development. Mr Eijgendaal pledged the continuous assistance of the Chamber to work with the Minerals Commission to promote licenced small-scale mining. He said despite the challenges the mining industry continued to pursue a responsible mining agenda by implementing proactive corporate social responsibility projects as well as environmental management practices in its operations.

"The Chamber subscribes to responsible, sustainable and innovative community relations. We also believe in social responsibility as corporate priority and recognise the importance of integrating the environmental, social and economic aspects of our operations into the decision making process." He lauded the voluntary repatriation of mineral revenues by members of the Chamber, leading to improved level of foreign exchange inflows. In 2006, 10 mining companies exported minerals valued at over 1.2 billion dollars and voluntarily repatriated 781 million dollars, representing 65 per cent of earnings into the country.

Mrs Esther Obeng-Dappah, Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, lauded the harmonious working relationship between the ministry and mining companies and expressed the hope that it would continue into the future.