Development of a joint research program between Ghana and Sweden for Reducing Environmental and Health Impacts of Small-Scale Mining

Ghana and Sweden have an extensive and rich history of mining base and precious metals such as gold and copper, as well as iron ore.

Gold mining in Ghana consists of both large-scale and small-scale mining, the latter being largely unregulated with very limited technical knowledge, where mercury is still the main reagent for extracting gold. Gold mining takes place in the poorest and most supportive communities in Ghana. Results of studies of water and soil quality show serious contamination of arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead and cyanide.

The larger rivers that receive water from areas with small-scale mining have deteriorated water quality.

This project aims to deepen cooperation in research and education and create joint research application to improve the health and environmental situation in areas with small-scale mines in Ghana.

Partner from Sweden is Luleå University of Technology, which has extensive experience of environmental studies related to mining, in collaboration with the Swedish mining industry. Partners in Ghana are the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

This project includes fieldwork, exchange of experience and mobility of senior researchers, master´s students and doctoral students from both countries.

The canker of the small-scale mining, is not peculiar to Ghana, it is  common in several other African countries as well as in South America.