Assessing the mineral resource potential of artisanal mining communities in southeastern Ghana

Thesis Abstract

Artisanal mining is a critical livelihood activity in southeastern Ghana, contributing significantly to local economies and social development; however, challenges related to resource estimation, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic impacts necessitate comprehensive resource assessment. This study aims to evaluate the mineral resource potential of artisanal mining communities in southeastern Ghana, with specific objectives of identifying the distribution and quality of mineral deposits, assessing the socio-economic status of mining communities, and analyzing the environmental impacts associated with artisanal mining activities. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative geospatial and geochemical analyses with qualitative socio-economic and environmental assessments. The study population comprises artisanal miners, community leaders, local government officials, and environmental agencies across five well-known mining communities within the Eastern and Volta regions, with a total sample size of 200 respondents selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires for socio-economic and environmental data, semi-structured interviews to capture stakeholder perspectives, and field sampling of mineral deposits for laboratory geochemical analyses. Laboratory techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are employed to determine mineral composition, abundance, and quality. Geospatial data obtained from remote sensing imagery and GIS mapping tools facilitate the identification and spatial analysis of mineral deposit distribution. The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis to assess relationships between socio-economic variables and mineral resource distribution, and thematic analysis of qualitative data to elucidate community perceptions and environmental concerns. The study hypothesizes that there are significant variations in mineral deposit quality and distribution across communities, which are positively correlated with local economic activities, and that artisanal mining exerts considerable environmental pressures. Anticipated findings include detailed maps of mineral resource distribution, quantification of mineral quality parameters such as grade and purity, and insights into socio-economic benefits and environmental challenges faced by communities. The findings are expected to reveal significant disparities in resource potential among the artisanal mining sites and establish the links between mineral resource availability, community livelihoods, and environmental impact. This study contributes to existing knowledge by providing a nuanced understanding of mineral resource potential in artisanal mining contexts, integrating geospatial, geochemical, socio-economic, and environmental data. It extends theoretical frameworks such as Hilson’s Resource Use and Sustainability Theory and the Socio-Ecological Systems Theory to contextualize artisanal mining dynamics. The research outcomes are intended to inform local and national policy frameworks on resource management, community development, and sustainable mining practices. The main conclusion emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to optimize resource utilization while minimizing environmental degradation, calling for enhanced regulatory measures and community capacity building. Recommendations include the establishment of mineral valuation and monitoring systems, promotion of environmentally sustainable mining techniques, and community empowerment programs. The study advocates for further research on scalable mitigation strategies that balance economic benefits with environmental and social sustainability in artisanal mining sectors across Ghana.