The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has clarified that individuals or companies seeking to operate earth-moving and mining equipment must first obtain the required registrations and permits from the Minerals Commission before commencing operations.
Responding to a question on the floor of Parliament, the Minister explained that the operation of excavators and other mining equipment is regulated under several laws and regulations governing Ghana’s mining sector.
According to the Minister, a person intending to use earth-moving or mining equipment for mineral operations must first register with the Minerals Commission as a mine support service provider to the holder of a mining right, in line with the relevant Minerals and Mining Support Services Regulations.
He further noted that the Minerals and Mining Regulations on the tracking of earth-moving and mining equipment require such machinery to be registered with the Minerals Commission and for the necessary mining permit to be obtained before the equipment can be legally operated.
The Minister added that mining lease holders are also required to obtain an operating permit from the appropriate division of the Minerals Commission under the Minerals and Mining Health, Safety and Technical Regulations.
“It is only after satisfying these requirements that a person has a legal basis to operate such equipment within the mining sector,” the Minister stated.
He warned that any person who operates mining or earth-moving equipment without the required permit commits an offence under the Minerals and Mining Act, as amended.
The Minister said the Minerals Commission, working with other relevant agencies, continues to enforce the regulations and engage Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to ensure that permits, authorisations or related approvals are not issued to companies before the Commission grants the necessary mining permits.
He explained that the measure is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and preventing the unauthorised use of mining equipment across mining districts.
“This measure is intended to strengthen regulatory oversight and prevent the unauthorised use of mining equipment,” the Minister said.
