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Mining must be regulated but not restricted

Feb 12, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
I have been in the mining industry since 1950. Over the many decades, it has always been the contributions of small and medium scale miners who have kept the industry alive until the advent of OMAI.
I do agree that measures must be taken to co-ordinate mining and forestry exploits in order that sustainable environmental friendly process be adhered to.
This however, should be done through scientific research and application of findings.
Since the alleged issue is the “indiscriminate clearing of forest by miners”, I would like to suggest the following actions be taken:
Forestry department should be the organiser and maintainer of all infrastructural works such as roads, bridges, etc with miners’ contribution coming via toll, taxation and or road licences.
Monies allotted for LCDS should be utilised for the establishment of nurseries of saplings and seedlings.
New species of wood, because of economical value should be introduced such as teak, red cedar, pine and eucalyptus trees.
These sapling or seedlings should be introduced to already mined areas for reforestation.
Commercially viable trees are usually removed from mining activities since mining in done in low grade forest (grade D).
Miners have the obligation of introducing new technology with regards to extraction and chemical agents that will not harm the environment.
The mining industry has as its labour force approximately eight percent of the employed.
In all countries developed and developing, forests have to be cleared to make way for extraction of mineral wealth. There are other minerals to be extracted which are economically viable, such as iron, coal, etc.
If our mineral reserves are to contribute to the development of our economy, then mining must be regulated but not restricted.
Failing an agreeable accord then 10–15% of all forested areas should be assigned for mining exclusively.
Talib Bilal Rutherford
Miner

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