The Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forestry has asked mining companies to do everything to ensure that their operations conform to internationally accepted safety standards.

They should not only take measures to prevent accidents, but go to every length to safeguard the environment.

This was when members of the committee, led by its Chairman, Mr. Amadu Seidu, paid an official visit to the Chirano Gold Mines at Chirano in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District.

The legislators were there to acquaint themselves with its operations and the challenges.

Mr. Seidu asked the management to put premium on the reclamation of mined and degraded lands to restore the vegetative cover.

He also reminded the mine to live up to its corporate social responsibility, adding that, it should assist provide jobs for the people in the local communities and to train them in vocations and trades to give them alternative livelihoods.

He said that was necessary to reduce the tension that often existed between the mining companies and the local population.