TITLE:
Reclamation Challenges in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Operations in the Wassa Amenfi District of Ghana: Issues, Prospects and Sustainable Solutions
AUTHORS:
Akuba Bezeba Yalley, Clement Kwakye Asiamah
KEYWORDS:
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, Reclamation, Land Degradation, Sustainable Mining, Revegetation
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.14 No.7,
July
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has become a significant contributor to global minerals production and improvements in rural livelihoods. Despite its economic significance, ASM activities have resulted in widespread environmental degradation, raising concerns about the effectiveness of land reclamation practices. Whereas this remains a challenge, there remains a gap in literature regarding challenges faced by ASM operations during reclamation. This information is critical as it will help governments, miners, regulatory institutions, stakeholders and non-governmental agencies to plan the best strategies to be used in order to execute sustainable reclamation activities. This study contributes to scientific knowledge by examining the challenges associated with reclamation in ASM operations and proposing sustainable strategies to improve reclamation in the sector. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, integrating field studies and socio-economic surveys. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to stakeholders, such as, chiefs, regulatory agencies and local governments as well as inhabitants across 13 selected communities within the Wassa Amenfi Districts of Ghana between August 5 and August 30, 2024. Field studies were conducted in ten ASM sites using purposive and random sampling techniques. Statistical and graphical analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel and Chi-Square tests. Key challenges identified include luck of sustainable reclamation plan, insufficient funding, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, lack of technical expertise, encroachments of illegal miners, inappropriate mining and processing techniques and no chemical analysis of the soils and water. The study recommended the adoption of a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, local communities and mining operators in addressing reclamation challenges in ASM. Strengthening regulatory enforcement, ensuring compliance with reclamation policies, setting up of reclamation funds as part of the operational costs, promoting community participation, and providing technical training and expertise were identified to be critical to improving reclamation outcomes.