Gold Mining Projects: Environmental Impact Assessment in Ghana & SL

This report examines the crucial role of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in the context of future gold mining projects in Sierra Leone and Ghana. It begins by outlining the emergence and purpose of EIAs, emphasizing their benefits, such as improved project design and environmental awareness. The report details the various stages of the EIA process, including screening, scoping, baseline studies, impact prediction, and mitigation strategies. It also explores the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and EIAs, highlighting their interdependent relationship in protecting human rights and promoting sustainable development. Furthermore, the report analyzes the potential environmental impacts of gold mining, addressing global climate change, wildlife, ecological processes, and social impacts. It also addresses the role of EIA in meeting these challenges, including the application of the Aarhus Convention and the precautionary principle in the design and implementation of EIAs. Finally, it provides a brief history of gold mining in Sierra Leone and Ghana, underscoring the importance of responsible mining practices to ensure environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Environmental Impact
Assessments are vital for
future gold mining projects in
Sierra Leone and Ghana

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................4
Emergence or rise of environmental impact assessment....................................................................................4
What is the purpose of the EIA process?............................................................................................................5
Benefits of the EIA process................................................................................................................................5
Stages of the EIA process...................................................................................................................................6
Corporate Social responsibility and Environmental Impact assessment............................................................7
Corporate Social responsibility and Environmental Impact assessment............................................................9
CHAPTER 2 ......................................................................................................................................................9
Impact on global climate.....................................................................................................................................9
Impact on wildlife.............................................................................................................................................10
Impact of ecological processes.........................................................................................................................11
Social impacts...................................................................................................................................................12
Public safety......................................................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER 3...........................................................................................................................................................14
Potential environmental impact of future gold mining projects.......................................................................14
Role of EIA in meeting these challenges..........................................................................................................16
The Aarhus convention.....................................................................................................................................21
Application of the precautionary principle Art 6(3) of the Aarhus Convention in the design and
implementation of EIAs....................................................................................................................................23
CONCLUSION......................................................................................................................................................23
......................................................................................................................................................................25
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................................................25

INTRODUCTION
Gold mining is the process which is conducted in the Ghana and Sierra Leone.
Various types of technologies and methods are used by these countries for gold mining which
having impact on the environment of the country. Further, it is the complicated process which
require efforts lots of people and their willingness. Gold is the most expensive metal because
it harder to find.
Emergence or rise of environmental impact assessment
The activities are lead to change and emerged in the environment along with the
changes in natural inborn function of the environmental system. These changes also affects
human beings in Sierra Leone and Ghana both and may also change their uses in
environment. These may have negative and positive impact in environmental
conditions ,which may impact or effect it 1.
The environmental impact assessment has been increasing these days as it has been
becoming the reason for conflict, as land uses conflicts from local scales to global scales.
These gold mining surfaces is the main source of such conflict,but this creates impact on
local livelihood which are often being unclear. Our objectives here was to asses land cover to
change because of gold mining surface in western Ghana, which is world's leading gold
mining area, and to know about changes how will these changes affect the usage of land. It
also shows technical aspects of the environment, which can be data gathering or any
recommendations. It is in context with all the technical activity. These assessment are taken
into consideration as a rapid technique by looking at the current scenario of the environment
ans determining their impact on such activities on the parameters of environment. It is related
to new decision making and planing of such assessments. It help to measure and predict the
environment and use to help to state the design and planning of the project. Its a creation
system in which socio-economic projects are developed for safe and substanability of the
environment. At initial stage it helps in carrying out analysing of cost benefit projects. The
society these days have a fast and a wide spreader and a large impact on the natural
environment. They require legal control to change the community control on the individual
1 Vanclay F, Esteves AM, editors. New directions in social impact assessment:
conceptual and methodological advances. Edward Elgar Publishing; 2011.

basis. The political environment and priorities has changed. These changes done by
civilizations was large and brought very slow so that they can get time to assess them. Their
impact on environment tents to be limited in impact. The society has accepted the change in
organisation and environment2.
What is the purpose of the EIA process?
The process of environmental impact assessment is a knowledge base and various
stages involved method which ensures that the environmental circumstances which are
included in decision related projects that may affect the environment. Its a process which
helps to identify the environment which effects proposed activities and how those activities
which impacts can be eased. EIA itself is a technical process which identifies, analyses the
impact on the social,culture as well as physical environment. It also gives importance and
serves in all decision making process in procedural role by promotive public and
transparency involvement. This process has no guarantee that it will rejected or modified if
process says that there is a serious impact on environment. These process also ensures us
about the informed decisions ,but its not necessary its tells about beneficial decision of
environment. It makes sure that all the issue regarding environment are raised when there is
discussion about projects and plan when all the concerns about the project is addressed
through implementing it. To be more beneficial it is important to that an environmental
assessment is done to identify major impact in the project cycle so recommendations can be
designed and cost analysis can be done without any major delays and can increase the cost of
design. As the effective implementation starts,the EIA must star leading o a mechanism
where monitoring is take into consideration to realise environmental management. An
important yield from this process should be negotiated of for such effective management3.
Benefits of the EIA process
The benefits this process can be straight like as improved design or project of
location or it can be indirect like environmental impact assessment work done in better
2 Oyarzún J, Oyarzún R. Sustainable development threats, inter‐sector conflicts and
environmental policy requirements in the arid, mining rich, northern Chile territory.
Sustainable Development. 2011 Jul 1;19(4):263-74.
3 Hilson G. Farming, small-scale mining and rural livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa: a
critical overview. The Extractive Industries and Society. 2016 Apr 30;3(2):547-63.

quality or raising environmental awareness which are involved personnel in project. There
will also be flow on effect in future work. In general environmental impact assessment
include benefits as :
the planning and design of a proposal should be in better environment. EIA must carry out an
analysis which has an alternative in the design and location of that project. She may help in
selection of improved technology, that low downs the project which are waste output or at an
environmental location 4. To minimise risk a well-designed project is being considered and it
will impact on people and environment and it can ignore compensation for damage and costs
of healthful treatment5. There is compliance ensured along with environmental standard due
to which there reduction in disruption communities and less damage to environment. It also
reduces the livelihood of fines loss of trust creditability and penalties. They also save their
operating cost and capital. EIA also reduces the undue costs of unexpected impacts. Hence
changes must be done in the project as they are most expensive. It reduces the cost and time
for the approvals of developing application. If all these are taken into consideration properly
before submitting the approved project then it is possible that detail may not occur. These
process is achieved through an open and transparent way, with the additional opportunities
involving people who are directly interested in the proposal in such a way that they suit their
needs. It influences the development and decision making and develops the term and
conditions. There is a modified proposes which reduce the environmental assessment impact.
It also predict such adverse impact. It informs about the potential which has beed affected by
individual and communication 6.
Stages of the EIA process.
These are the stages :
4 Kuma JS, Ewusi E. Water resources issues in Tarkwa municipality, southwest Ghana.
Ghana Mining Journal. 2010;11(1).
5 Van Bockstael S. The persistence of informality: Perspectives on the future of
artisanal mining in Liberia. Futures. 2014 Oct 31;62:10-20.
6 Azcue JM, editor. Environmental impacts of mining activities: emphasis on mitigation
and remedial measures. Springer Science & Business Media; 2012 Dec 6.

 the screening process begins from the start of the project, as the developer comes to
know about need it assess al the possible alternative of the design project and site to
select an alternative.
 When they decide about the formal environmental impact assessment is required the
next stage comes is scoping which tells about the issues and address them about the
impact on the environment and scoping is very important for focusing on the issues
which are relevant.
 From scoping the next comes is baseline study which is importance for collecting
relevant information on the basis of current status and it changing the environment
and can even change the due which can be measured.
 As baseline study information is read and available, tha task begans which is
important that is impact prediction,it involves the prediction of the sightly changes in
the environment which occurs as a result of development.
 The next phrase is impact assessment which requires interpretation of the significant
of the impact to give the conclusion that can used by determining decision making
fate of the project application
 the next step is mitigation which requires to involve or remove all the environmental
impact and may been seen in the environmental impact.
The next after this is producing the statement of the environmental impact which set up the
actual information which are related to development through screening, scoping, baseline,
etc. it gives summary about the information which contains all the information.
 Follow up is related to the post approval period which monitors the impact of the
entire environment management. Without follow up it couldn't be operate. It will be
operated as linear or iterative process. It has main measures which are being
compared: the accurate of the original position, the degree of predictions, and the
reason for any deviation .
Corporate Social responsibility and Environmental Impact assessment
The social responsibilities and environmental impact assessment has a proper human
right protection. These both concept have interlinked now and they are also interdependent.
They have a strong responsibility which has a obvious relationship among the environment

impact. It claims the development about proving and involving safety health and individual.
It is reasonable to claim al the development at expenses which has qualities in human
conditions. Corporate responsibilities concept in which companies has social ans
environmental assessment in which all the stakeholders and voluntary basis emerged the
corporate environmental concept. It signifies the companies commitment by material and
management energy and has a transparent working ecological limit. It is a way in which it
can identify assess the scale and type which impacts the potential and biodiversity and give
an opportunity for benefit conservation. These corporate and social may require month an
years to consider and solve these environmental issues. Once the activity starts it becomes
more difficult to redesign the concept and address its issue biodiversity 7. There are action
plans which are taken into consideration and they apply correct measures and define the
resources and manages all the roles and responsibilities which measures the mitigation. It has
a link between both corporate and social environmental impact assessment 8. All the
monitoring is done through an overlook since it has occurred in the project and has been
approved in it own way. And it is important to provide company the achievement and to
measure it at its place. Three components are considered mainly in environmental assessment
which are closely related to each other and are mutually into re enforcement that are
social,economical and environmental. They have the ability to sustain the issues and resolve
it 9.
Brief history of gold mining in Sierra Leone and Ghana
Ghana having a huge history of mining specially in gold. The trading of gold is
conducted from west Africa to Europe. Gold is the most costly and precious metal in the
world which is find in rivers, seas etc. Further, it is expensive then other metals because it is
difficult to find and harder to get. In modern world, varieties of methods and technologies are
used for mining process of gold in Ghana. The mining operation is mostly conducted in that
place. After mining process to gold they can deliver them in other countries and increase
export of this country. With the help of mining operation country can increase export of gold
7 Bakia M. East Cameroon's artisanal and small-scale mining bonanza: How long will it
last?. Futures. 2014 Oct 31;62:40-50.
8
9

and reduce import which maintain economy of that country. The mining of gold is most
popular in Ghana10.
Mining of gold in Sierra Leone is improve GDP of country with around 4.5%. Mining
of gold in this country is the main reason of instability. The management which is responsible
for mineral sector of country is name called ministry of mineral resources. Through mining of
gold in this country it can deliver them in various countries and improve export from from the
country.
Corporate Social responsibility and Environmental Impact assessment.
Every country is responsible for maintain environmental factors and reduce conflicts
which are related with this. They have to use technologies which may not harm to the
environment. Every country needs to contribute in the sustainable development in the interest
of people. This process is beneficial in health and welfare of the society. So that, countries
like Ghana and Sierra Leone have to use machines and techniques for mining of gold which
may not harm to the environment but maintain health of the people. Various factors having
impact on the environment which is not beneficial people such as machines which increase
pollution, badly affect environment and not help in sustainable development. Before starting
mining operation every country have to make plans and strategies which are in the interest of
people. These plans have to remove complication related to environment. Various types of
conflicts are arise which they have to remove them and increase economy of every country .
CHAPTER 2
Impact on global climate
The mining industry is a challenging sector where it is necessary for them to have a
concrete plan and preparations to adapt the weather, climate and other tough conditions11. It is
evident that the mining sector itself is affected greatly because of the climate change and
simultaneously, it impacts climate of environment. The cited sector is mainly based on
10 Andrews N. Digging for Survival and/or Justice?: The Drivers of Illegal Mining
Activities in Western Ghana. Africa Today. 2015;62(2):2-4.
11 Hilson, G. "The environmental impact of small-scale gold mining in Ghana:
identifying problems and possible solutions." Geographical Journal(2002): 57-72.

energy intensive industry according to which, a substantial amount of energy is used up in the
number of processes taking place in this sector. As per the report of International Council on
Mining and Metals (ICMM) it has been reported that at a global level, the mining and metals
industry contribute about 2% of greenhouse gases emissions. The Department of Mineral and
Energy (DME) of South Africa has told that, this sector uses a high amount of energy which
is equal to 6% of entire energy consumed by South Africa. Besides this, the coal mining
industry of South Africa is also a energy intensive sector that emits a large amount of GHG
which contributes at major level in impacting the climatic conditions. As per the report of
ICMM, various activities of mining industry like processing, transportation, mining, etc. is
based on fuel consumption because of which there is a large use on energy which results in
fugitive emissions from the processes.12 Besides this, the energy usage is also high in the
form of refining and smelting works that uses the electricity. Another issue of increasing
GHG emissions are increasing land use for developing the mining operations. It has been
reported that the rate of deforestation is increasing to a high level because of which the GHG
emitting has become out of control. For mitigating these issues related to increasing GHG can
be developed through better practices of the afforestations and reducing land usage. As a
result of increasing GHG, there is an adverse impact on climatic changes whose impacts are
apparent in South Africa in the form of Desertification, Increasing level of sea, cyclones,
reducing quality of forests, coral bleaching, deforestation and many more. 13
Impact on wildlife
It is a fact that as a result of different mining activities, the forest resources reach to a
destruction level in a great extent. For the mining works, a large part of forest are is made
clear and converted into mining sites, that results in degradation of flaura and fauna in forest.
Besides this, the clearances also result in the erosion of soil, sedimentation etc. Further, due
to increasing land usage by mining industry is resulting into losses of habitats for many wild
animals living in the forests. Forest area covers a large part of biological diversity in which
12 Amponsah-Tawiah, Kwesi, and Kwasi Dartey-Baah. "The mining industry in Ghana:
a blessing or a curse." International Journal of Business and Social Science 2, no. 12 (2011).
13 Wan, Pei Man Jessica. "Environmental justices and injustices of large-scale gold
mining in Ghana: A study of three communities near Obuasi." The Extractive Industries and
Society 1, no. 1 (2014): 38-47.

diverse animal life involving terrestrial, aquatic and marine life. It is also well known that
Africa has the deep forests which is a home for many rare species of world. Because of this
uniqueness in the forest and wildlife of Africa, it is required to preserve them. But with
increasing land usage for mining has resulted into its degradations making many things
vulnerable to extinctions. The life of people are largely impacted by the biodiversity and
ecosystem of a place. The mining has various activities of constructions, transportation of
different materials, separation of and preparation work, exploration etc. which results in loss
of biodiversity. The impact of this loss is increasing with a greater intensity because of which
the wildlife is at risk. 14
As per these effects, country must have the policies and legal implications as well
which can help in restriction of mining practices nearby any sensitive areas like forests,
wildlife sanctuaries, heritage places etc. Moreover, the loss of biodiversity and wildlife is
resulting into many negative impacts that has given substantial losses.
Impact of ecological processes
The ecological process is related to the ecosystem under which four basic processes
take place like water cycle, nutrient cycle, energy flow and community dynamics. For the
purpose of mining in lands, a lot of vegetation is removed and soil erosion takes place
because of which the land may become barren. Further, this process also results in
interruption of ecological processes. Because of the activities related to mining, a number of
toxic wastes are generated which leads to water pollution and other health problems.15 In the
areas of mining, a lot of dirt is generated due to various processes which results into heavy air
pollution. It is apparent that due to increasing demand of gold and heavy increase in its costs
have attracted the miners in the last decades. In mining of gold, various toxic chemicals are
used which has a very negative impact on delicate tropical ecological processes. Gold mining
14 Boamponsem, L. K., J. I. Adam, S. B. Dampare, B. J. B. Nyarko, and D. K.
Essumang. "Assessment of atmospheric heavy metal deposition in the Tarkwa gold mining
area of Ghana using epiphytic lichens." Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics
Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms 268, no. 9 (2010): 1492-
1501.
15 Hilson, Gavin. "‘Once a miner, always a miner’: Poverty and livelihood
diversification in Akwatia, Ghana." Journal of Rural Studies 26, no. 3 (2010): 296-307.

in Ghana has contributed in the development of its economy. But on other hand, it has
impacted largely to a number of factors like environment, water cycle, forest life and also the
life of humans.
In mining of gold which is done in Sierra Leone emits a lot of chemicals and bio
wastages like cyanide, Arsenic, dust which is released from Bauxite and other types of noise
pollution. The major pollutant that is released in gold mining is mercury which is used at a
large scale for increasing the recovery rates and to make the alloy of mercury-gold16. These
pollutants are harmful for water and air as these wastages contaminates the water, soil and
entire environment. Thus, whole ecological process is disturbed and increases various types
of risks. It is necessary to make a classification of different hazards so that different types of
risks can be minimised. In addition to this, the actions must be taken by government to
minimise the impact which is resulting in loss of ecological processes.
Social impacts
The minings taking place in Sierra Leone have a considerable impact on the socio-
economic and socio-cultural environment apart from various physical and ecological impacts.
The social impacts include variety of issues like health related problems, usage of drugs,
conflicts etc.17 In context of health issues, it is evident that different types of pollutants which
exist in the liquid or gaseous form pose a great challenge by increasing the risks related to
health and safety. From various reports, it has been found that at the time of gold mining, dust
particles containing silica produces which are harmful for the health of people employed in
the mines. It can cause serious diseases of asthma or other respiratory related diseases. In
addition to this, it has been found that many miners use six tons of mercury yearly because of
which, it results in the serious issues of health for all mining communities. Further, many of
the miners mix the mercury with water to raise its quantity, that leads to more harmful results
for both people and plants.
16 Hilson, Gavin. "Child labour in African artisanal mining communities: Experiences
from Northern Ghana." Development and Change 41, no. 3 (2010): 445-473.
17 Azcue, José M., ed. Environmental impacts of mining activities: emphasis on
mitigation and remedial measures. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.

The mining sector is full of risks, where most of the times, it is noticed that required
safety measures and equipments are also not available18. These conditions often to lead to
serious injuries and accidents at the mining sites. No large evidences are found related to
many accidents occurring in these sites as most of the times they are not reported. In Ghana,
because of increasing activities related to mining has also resulted in enhancing child labour
practices. About 1 million children have been employed at such mining sites which is
dangerous for them. Apart from these, various anti social activities related to theft, smuggling
has gone up due to which the country may go under heavy adverse influences. Thus, there are
a large number of such activities that considerably have an opposite impact on lives.
Public safety
The working conditions that are provided in the mining sector are full of various
hazardous conditions that has lead to a large number of mortal accidents that put the health
and safety of workers under questionable terms. The working shifts are also lengthy along
with a poor standard of safety that also increases the risks for life19. The managers in the
Ghana who are entrusted with the responsibility of providing safety at mining site often have
less and adequate knowledge related to required safety issues. There may be various
conditions of risks like fire, explosions, extreme temperatures, release of harmful and toxic
chemicals, dust and accidents. Many different machineries that are used in mining industry
can also be very dangerous as its opposite impact may result in loss of hearing aid, serious
injuries and even deaths.
In addition to this, the unbearable noise producing from such mining sites also result
into a damage to ears because of which the loss of hearing can be occurred20. However, many
concerned authorities are taking measures so that they can prioritise various issues related to
18 Armah, Frederick A., Samuel Obiri, David O. Yawson, Ernest KA Afrifa, Genesis T.
Yengoh, Johanna Alkan Olsson, and Justice O. Odoi. "Assessment of legal framework for
corporate environmental behaviour and perceptions of residents in mining communities in
Ghana." Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 54, no. 2 (2011): 193-209.
19 Hilson, G. "The environmental impact of small-scale gold mining in Ghana:
identifying problems and possible solutions." Geographical Journal(2002): 57-72.
20 Amponsah-Tawiah, Kwesi, and Kwasi Dartey-Baah. "The mining industry in Ghana:
a blessing or a curse." International Journal of Business and Social Science 2, no. 12 (2011).

health and safety, yet they are not sufficient to manage the operational activities assuring the
possible hazards.
CHAPTER 3
Potential environmental impact of future gold mining projects
There can be a numerous impacts gold mining on environment which includes water
soil, air etc. The several impacts of mining projects in detail can be seen under below section:
Impact on water resources
The mining project developed in various areas use to cover a large land usage for this
purpose which may affect the quality of water in a great way. As a result of increasing mining
activities, the quality of surface and groundwater has come into a questionable terms
according to which it is evident that ground water is not fit for use. In Sierra Leone, at the
time of mining a large amount of water was used21. In case of hydraulic mining, a huge
volume of water is required for which the mining organisations rerouted the streams by
utilising the reservoirs. This water was used largely for the blasts and after that it was allowed
to move wherever it chose. Thus, it resulted in polluting the water with mud and lots of toxic
chemicals as well. Thus, the water resources have been impacted largely due to these mining
works.
Apart from this, the mountains near the mining sites have also been affected as a
result of these mining. Through various mining projects, the quality of soil has been
degraded. It has been reported that a large part of land area has been disturbed due to a
number of mining works that has resulted into erosion of soil. It has been discovered that the
erosion of soil and deposition of sediments might happen in the surface water22.
21 Parsons, M. B., K. W. G. LeBlanc, G. E. M. Hall, A. L. Sangster, J. E. Vaive, and P.
Pelchat. "Environmental geochemistry of tailings, sediments and surface waters collected
from 14 historical gold mining districts in Nova Scotia." Geological Survey of Canada, Open
File 7150 (2012): 326.
22 Miserendino, Rebecca Adler, Bridget A. Bergquist, Sara E. Adler, Jean Remy Davée
Guimarães, Peter SJ Lees, Wilmer Niquen, P. Colon Velasquez-López, and Marcello M.

Consequently, a thick layer of mineral and sediments caused the modifications in aquatic life
and storage capacity in surface water. The air also gets polluted as a result of mining where
each cycle of like the development, construction and operational activities are undertaken.
Different types of pollutants that are released in the air due to mining operations result into
serious impacts on health of workers. In addition to this, the mining projects have also
resulted into the loss of habitat for wild lives, soil quality, water resources etc. All of these
have affected the public health in a direct or indirect way.
Impact of mining on air quality
The mining process takes a very long duration in which a number of processes take
place. The mining process advances through various stages such as geographic expedition,
development, construction and other activities related to operational level23. In all these
processes a large amount of material and waste is released that is piled up in the mining sites.
These wastes and materials are dispersed in the air as all of that contains tiny particles of dust
and pollutant. Some of the other sources that makes air polluted through mining projects are
many more. The particulate matters are transported in winds as a result of processes like
blasting, excavation, erosion, dust released from the piles of wastes etc. Besides this, there are
some emissions which are released in the gaseous state and make air polluted. All these solid
and gaseous forms of pollutants after mixing with air starts changing physically and
chemically. As a result, the receptors of air are in very high danger zone which is very
harmful for people's health and also damage the environment. Thus, in future, as per the
mining projects undertaken in various areas may have a high impact and influence in
degrading the quality of environment overall24.
Impact of mining project on wildlife
Veiga. "Challenges to measuring, monitoring, and addressing the cumulative impacts of
artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Ecuador." Resources Policy 38, no. 4 (2013): 713-
722.
23
Vanclay F, Esteves AM, editors. New directions in social impact assessment:
conceptual and methodological advances. Edward Elgar Publishing; 2011.
24
Azcue JM, editor. Environmental impacts of mining activities: emphasis on mitigation
and remedial measures. Springer Science & Business Media; 2012 Dec 6.

The wildlife can be understood as a all the plants, animals and other such living
organisms in forests. The wildlife also does not remain untouched with the effects of mining
projects undertaking at a particular place. Due to mining, the top soil and vegetations are
removed because of which the both the flaura and fauna of that place is disturbed highly. The
wild animals and plants that are living in a particular place use to survive on the basis of
favourable climate, soil, water and vegetation of that place. As a result of mining projects
there are possibilities of having a large change over the climate, water and soil because of
which the wildlife gets disturbed. Many of the wild animals lose their habitats which may
result into a long to short term effects on the wildlife.
Impact of mining on soil quality
The impact of mining is scattered over many aspects among which one is the quality
of soil that gets affected through it. It is apparent that as a result of mining, the a large part of
land is taken over for various purposes25. As a result, the soil of that place becomes
contaminated. The contaminated soil is highly harmful for human health which contains the
toxic dusts and many other metals like arsenic, lead and radionuclide. Thus, they can be very
dangerous for the life of human and vegetation in that surrounding area. The activities of
mining are increasing relatively faster which may cause a dangerous impacts and are
necessary to be restricted to a level so as to reduce the harmful effects on the environment.
Role of EIA in meeting these challenges
The EIA or environmental Impact Assessment refers to the process according to
which an identification is done for the possible impacts that can be exerted on the
environment as a result of mining activities so that the said process can make provisions for
mitigating them26. The major goal of EIA is to make contact with the decision makers and
public as well so that they can be made understood about various impacts of a project over
the environment. This body is not only confined till the assessment of impacts on physical
environment but it is stretched till examining the impacts on social and public health. Thus,
after making correct identification, it makes the plans and alternatives to mitigate the losses
25 Van Bockstael S. The persistence of informality: Perspectives on the future of
artisanal mining in Liberia. Futures. 2014 Oct 31;62:10-20.
26 Maconachie, Roy, and Gavin Hilson. "Artisanal gold mining: a new frontier in post-
conflict Sierra Leone?." The Journal of Development Studies 47, no. 4 (2011): 595-616.

and adverse effects. Moreover, the EIA undertakes the responsibility of serving a procedural
role according to which they play an important part in decision making so that transparency
in this process can be increased.
It has been noticed that the EIA process does not guarantee the refusal or acceptance
of a project on the scale of its harmfulness for environment nor it can assure the
modifications in that project as per the harms27. Thus, the role of this body is somewhat
confined till the informed decisions. However, it is evident that it provides a number of
benefits which are worth noticing. Some of them can be understood in the below section:
 The EIA makes a proper screening of unsound projects which are seriously harmful
for the environment.
 It takes necessary measures to give suggestions and ideas on the basis of which
modifications can be done in the project. Thus, it gives contribution in minimising the
impacts of mining projects on environment.
 It makes a correct identification of alternatives that are feasible as per the project and
environmental needs.
 It makes a projection of possible damages that can be caused as a result of a particular
project in a specific area. As a result, they can provide better alternatives fort the
project.
 It involves the communities that are potential to get impacted through the project so
that they can be informed about various harms that can happen with them28.
27 Hilson G. Farming, small-scale mining and rural livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa: a
critical overview. The Extractive Industries and Society. 2016 Apr 30;3(2):547-63.
Kuma JS, Ewusi E. Water resources issues in Tarkwa municipality, southwest Ghana.
Ghana Mining Journal. 2010;11(1).
Basu, Niladri, Edith Clarke, Allyson Green, Benedict Calys-Tagoe, Laurie Chan,
Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, Julius Fobil et al. "Integrated assessment of artisanal and small-scale
gold mining in Ghana—Part 1: Human health review." International journal of
environmental research and public health 12, no. 5 (2015): 5143-5176.
28

 Finally, it plays an important role in influencing the decision making process so that
terms and conditions can be modified to reduce the adverse impacts of mining project.
The preparation and designing of EIA can be undertaken by either of two parties
which are the government agency or the advocator of the project. The laws made under EIA
can give permission for this to any of the party or they have another option of hiring a
consultant so that various parts of the EIA can be made. In addition to this, the consultant
may be in the need of disclosing about various interests that are involved in the project. The
project of EIS follows a procedure according to which the entire report is made and the
concerned authority takes a decision over this to accept or reject the proposal29. The process
that is followed for conducting the EIA project can be understood in below mentioned steps:
 Defining of activities: Defining of activities in the project is a complex task and it
becomes more difficult if the project is large and have many different sites. This step
is concerned with defining of all the possible effects that related project may have on
environment. Thus, through defining of activities, each task is measured and
evaluated for its different impacts.
 Screening: The screening process is related with giving assurance for the entire
project of EIA. The commencement requirements of EIA is different for various
nations. According to some countries, they provide a list of assorted activities for
which the procedure according to EIA is required30. While in some other countries,
there is a requirement of EIA for all the projects and its related activities so that
evaluation can be made on various impacts that may be exerted on environment as a
Miserendino, Rebecca Adler, Bridget A. Bergquist, Sara E. Adler, Jean Remy Davée
Guimarães, Peter SJ Lees, Wilmer Niquen, P. Colon Velasquez-López, and Marcello M.
Veiga. "Challenges to measuring, monitoring, and addressing the cumulative impacts of
artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Ecuador." Resources Policy 38, no. 4 (2013): 713-
722.
29 Hilson, G. "The environmental impact of small-scale gold mining in Ghana:
identifying problems and possible solutions." Geographical Journal(2002): 57-72.
30 Darko, E. O., A. Faanu, A. R. Awudu, G. Emi-Reynolds, J. Yeboah, O. C. Oppon,
and E. H. K. Akaho. "Public exposure to hazards associated with natural radioactivity in
open-pit mining in Ghana." Radiation protection dosimetry 138, no. 1 (2010): 45-51.

result of undertaking any mining project. Apart from this, if the probable impacts are
not assessed in the project, a preliminary assessment report can also be made which
can help in deciding about the development of EIA.
 Scoping: The scoping stage in process of EIA refers to involvement of all the
interested parties who are responsible to make identification of various issues that
may have an impact on the environment. In this process, the first first opportunity is
provided to various NGOs and members of public body so that they can talk about
their opinions. This process also help in identifying different activities that may have
an impact on project31. Thus, the attention is drawn towards various issue which are
necessary to be addressed for mitigating all possible risks related to project. Thus, it
helps in making a deeper analysis on various impacts of the projects by considering
the views of different persons involved in it.
 Preparation of terms of reference: The terms of reference refers to a guideline which
helps in drafting the EIA and its entire process. As per this preparation, it is required
to have this report all the issues and different affects on various areas of environment
which were pointed out at the stage of scoping. This draft may be presented before
public representatives so that they can make a review over it and mark their comments
as well32. The opportunity given at this stage for making review and give comments
help in ensuring that the project is moving forward in right direction with a proper
planning and have addressed all the issues that can have impact on environment as
well.
 Making of draft EIA: The preparation of draft EIA is related with the its preparation
which should be according various issues that have been addressed in the scoping
process. As per this process, this draft should be enough potential to meet all the
31 Basu, Niladri, Edith Clarke, Allyson Green, Benedict Calys-Tagoe, Laurie Chan,
Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, Julius Fobil et al. "Integrated assessment of artisanal and small-scale
gold mining in Ghana—Part 1: Human health review." International journal of
environmental research and public health 12, no. 5 (2015): 5143-5176.
32 Hilson, Gavin. "Child labour in African artisanal mining communities: Experiences
from Northern Ghana." Development and Change 41, no. 3 (2010): 445-473.

requirement which are necessary to be addressed. This step involves a lot of
requirements which must be accomplished by the technical specialists. The specialists
will aid in various types of tasks like evaluation of different baseline conditions,
making projections related to the effects of project and various measures that can help
in mitigating various problems33.
 Participation of public: A good EIA will always be accomplished with the
participation of public at different points. This ensures right preparation of the EIA as
it involves exchange of different information as well as different perceptions. The
participation of public is encouraged through organising the informational meetings,
public hearing and inviting comments about the project. The involvement of public
depends largely on the quality of public and the degree of complexity related to
project as well as its probable impacts.
 Preparation of final EIA: The comments and review marked by the public are finally
addressed and so that an impact assessment can be shaped into final draft34. The final
EIA in some cases contain the appendix also in which a summary is also mentioned
about various comments remarked by the public along with its responses.
 Decision: The final decision about approval of a mining project is made on the basis
of final EIA. Apart from this, in some cases this decision is made on the basis of
environmental clearance which is passed in one step. In addition to this, in some
instances, the decision may be given requiring different terms and conditions to be
fulfilled. It may be related with the posting of reclamation bond or a filing based on
environmental management plan.
33 Armah, Frederick A., Samuel Obiri, David O. Yawson, Ernest KA Afrifa, Genesis T.
Yengoh, Johanna Alkan Olsson, and Justice O. Odoi. "Assessment of legal framework for
corporate environmental behaviour and perceptions of residents in mining communities in
Ghana." Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 54, no. 2 (2011): 193-209.
34 Miserendino, Rebecca Adler, Bridget A. Bergquist, Sara E. Adler, Jean Remy Davée
Guimarães, Peter SJ Lees, Wilmer Niquen, P. Colon Velasquez-López, and Marcello M.
Veiga. "Challenges to measuring, monitoring, and addressing the cumulative impacts of
artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Ecuador." Resources Policy 38, no. 4 (2013): 713-
722.

 Administrative review: After getting a jurisdiction over the project, the parties can be
given various opportunities so that they can ask for final decision over the EIA
process. This process of review is helpful in addressing various issues like failing of
holding right hearing process or any other large issues which may have been missed.
In many cases, it has been noticed that EIA also along with judicial review act can
also address the issues and its resolutions35.
 Implementation of the project: Once all the required formalities have been done and
the permission is granted for the project, it will be processed further for the
implementation process. After this, the decision regarding all the mining process and
its various requirements that will be undertaken in the project is decided.
 Monitoring: The monitoring is a last but not the least process in implementation of the
project. The monitoring of a project is done so that various things can be assured.
These things are- making sure that all the required measures have been implemented
in a right way, making an evaluation that measures adopted for mitigation is giving
effective results and the last one is making a validation of all the applied projects and
models so that their accuracy can be checked36.
The Aarhus convention
The Aarhus convention is adopted on the 25 June 1988 in the city of Denmark,
Aarhus, in the form of 'Environment for Europe' process. It was enforced on 30th October
2001. this convention sets up a large number of rights for the public in concern of the
environment. The Aarhus convention give a strength to the general public so that they can
have a right to get the credible and full information, to make participation ion the matters of
environmental issues and also right to seek justice in case of violation of their rights. The
principles which are laid in the stated convention help people in giving their desired
responses against various issues and challenges. The challenges that are mainly faced in this
35 Oyarzún J, Oyarzún R. Sustainable development threats, inter‐sector conflicts and
environmental policy requirements in the arid, mining rich, northern Chile territory.
Sustainable Development. 2011 Jul 1;19(4):263-74.
36 Macknick J, Newmark R, Heath G, Hallett KC. A review of operational water
consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies. Contract. 2011
Mar;303:275-3000.

regard includes cases of loss of biodiversity and habitat, air, water and soil pollution,
disturbance in peace and security etc.37 Thus, this convention helps in providing a concrete
framework for governing body so that the public can also be involved in attainment of
sustainable development. In addition to this, the cited convention helps in increasing the role
of government and public in the governance and bringing enhancement in the participation of
public in case of decision making. The parties that are involved in this convention are
responsible for formulating a number of provisions which can contribute in impacting the
rights with effect. The convention also includes:
 The right to have information on environmental concerns by different public
authorities at the level of national, local and regional38. This also includes the
provisions related to the norms and measures that are taken for public health and
safety regards. In this provision, all the applicants are eligible to have attain various
information with a prior request on one month.
 Right to have a participation in all the matters related to the environment and in
decision makings. For this purpose, the public authorities make a number of
arrangements so that various governmental and non governmental bodies can make
their remarks. This may include giving proposals related to environment and other
plans and programmes. These proposals and remarks are are used for making
decisions.
 Another right under which the processes and procedures can be reviewed so that
decisions of public can be challenged. Thus, this right is related with the access to
justice39.
37 Bakia M. East Cameroon's artisanal and small-scale mining bonanza: How long will it
last?. Futures. 2014 Oct 31;62:40-50.
38 Basu, Niladri, Edith Clarke, Allyson Green, Benedict Calys-Tagoe, Laurie Chan,
Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, Julius Fobil et al. "Integrated assessment of artisanal and small-scale
gold mining in Ghana—Part 1: Human health review." International journal of
environmental research and public health 12, no. 5 (2015): 5143-5176.
39 Kuma JS, Ewusi E. Water resources issues in Tarkwa municipality, southwest Ghana.
Ghana Mining Journal. 2010;11(1).

Recently, the Aarhus convention is making a new process according to which the
participation of public in all the processes of negotiation and application will be increased.
Thus, this effort will be an another step towards increasing the responsibilities of
government, enhancing the transparency and their reactivity. The mentioned convention also
includes the provision regarding the non discrimination law according to which its crucial
that all information must be rendered regardless of nationality and ethnicity of any citizen so
that equality can be maintained. Moreover, it also requires to promote environmental
education among the public.
Application of the precautionary principle Art 6(3) of the Aarhus Convention in the design
and implementation of EIAs
As per the above discussion, it is evident that convention of Aarhus provide a number
of provisions and rights to the public authorities due to which they can take the necessary
decisions which are better for public health and safety along with environmental protection40.
As per the precautionary principle Art 6(3), the Aarhus convention is responsible for making
a number of restrictions and precautions that can be helpful in minimising any of the harmful
impacts. This work is done with the support of EIA in which it assist in the area of designing
and implementing the decisions taken by the EIA. The said principle aids the EIA in all its
necessary steps of designing a planning procedure so that the effective implementation can be
done. The various jurisdictions and reviews that are given may provide different
opportunities according to which the final decisions related to EIA process is considered for
revision. Apart from this, it also helps in the monitoring process so that evaluation of
measures can be done. In addition to this, it also makes the provision for validating different
approaches which were used for assessment process. It also gives permission for
development of mining with better modifications41.
40 Andrews N. Digging for Survival and/or Justice?: The Drivers of Illegal Mining
Activities in Western Ghana. Africa Today. 2015;62(2):2-4.
41 Wan, Pei Man Jessica. "Environmental justices and injustices of large-scale gold
mining in Ghana: A study of three communities near Obuasi." The Extractive Industries and
Society 1, no. 1 (2014): 38-47.

CONCLUSION
In Sierra Leone gold mining has create a render impact on the whole country . In this
preset report in Ghana there are so many gold mining company who produce gold in bulk.
But on the other hand with the context of all these process environment has face so many
problem. In that situation environment too much polluted which would be higher impact on
trees and waste. Whereas organisation;s waste material is mixed up with the environment air
and water which would be harmful for the human being and as well as animals. Most of the
people were face health problems. So in that situation EIA ha create a some provision for
making environment healthy. They make rules and regulations of these types of mines. So
with the help of legal provision organisation has doing limited mining and make sure there
organisational waste material is not to be mixed in environment. Which means legal
provision is for make environment eco friendly and people were feel healthy in concerning
environment. Moreover, gold mining is affected to whole environment where it render impact
on the living beings. So in this report conclude EIA provision is helpful for the making
environment effective and pollution free.

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