The Minerals Commission has vowed to tackle the growing destruction of the environment through illegal mining and sand wining.

Mr. Peter N.Hodgson, a Senior Inspector of Mines at the Inspectorate Division of the Commission in Ashanti, said they would intensify their monitoring and supervision activities to ensure strict compliance with the Minerals Act 703 of 2007.

The impunity, he said, must end and some level of sanity restored.

Mr. Hodgson was speaking at a day’s sensitization workshop on mineral rights acquisition in Kumasi.

About 90 participants drawn from the sand and stone contractors association, tipper trucks union, quarry companies and selected district assemblies attended.

It provided the platform to discuss the need for judicious and sustainable management of the nation’s natural resources.

Mr. Hodgson described as completely unacceptable, the continued disregard for best practices by some operators in the mining sector.

He announced the setting up of a special task force to see to it that the right things were done, adding that the Commission would arrest and bring to justice those operating without license or permit as well as waybills.

He asked offending miners and sand winners to stop their illegal activities in their own interest or face the full force of the law.

Mr. Samuel A. Dankwa, Environmental Inspector of Mines at the Commission, underlined the need for adherence to environmental safety standards.

It was important to protect the natural vegetation, water sources and bodies for posterity. he said.

Mr. Obeng Damoah, Principal Inspector of Machinery, advised employers to ensure that their employees worked in healthy and safe environment.**