Iron Ore exploitation In Oti Region Will Be Beneficial To Ghanaians – Lands Ministry

A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Benito Owusu-Bio, says government is fully committed to ensuring that mineral deposits discovered in Oti Region are exploited and utilised for the benefit of the region and Ghanaians at large. The Deputy Minister made the remarks when answering questions on the floor of

Parliament in the Accra on Wednesday on behalf of the Sector Minister, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor. Mr Owusu-Bio said the Ministry had taken steps to operationalise the mining of minerals discovered in commercial quantities in the Oti Region. The government is still at exploratory stage of the mining value chain of the iron ore

mineral. Currently, the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of an integrated iron and steel industry in the country, is undertaking mineral resource estimation at one of the seven blocks in the Gyamurume and Wawaso areas, Mr

Owusu-Bio stated. He stated that the satellite scans had been completed, and mapping and geophysical surveys were underway and expected to be completed within 18 months. He said 10 people within the local community have been employed so far. He alluded that the Ghana Geological Survey Authority was carrying out geological

investigations into limestone deposits to define and quantify their economic potential for exploitation. He assured the House that before any serious mining activities begin in the region, the Ministry would ensure all the necessary measures are put in place to avert any irregularities or negative impact on the environment.