Target: Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana
Goal: Ban the use of cyanide in gold mining to protect the health and safety of local communities and the environment.
Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical used in the extraction of gold from ore in large-scale mining operations. However, its use poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. Cyanide can leak into waterways and contaminate soil, leading to the destruction of local ecosystems and the poisoning of fish and other aquatic life. In addition, the exposure of miners and local communities to cyanide can have serious health consequences, including respiratory problems, skin irritations, and even death.
The use of cyanide in gold mining is a major problem in Ghana, where it is often used by small-scale miners who lack the resources and equipment to safely extract gold without the use of cyanide. These miners often operate illegally, without proper regulation or oversight, and pose a significant threat to the health and safety of local communities and the environment.
The ban on cyanide in gold mining is a crucial step in addressing the harmful effects of mining on the environment and human health in Ghana. Alternative methods of gold extraction, such as gravity concentration, must be promoted and adopted to ensure sustainable and safe mining practices. In conjunction with the ban, it is also essential to increase public awareness of the dangers of cyanide in gold mining and provide support to small-scale miners to transition to safer and more sustainable practices.
By ending the use of cyanide, we can protect the health and safety of local communities and the environment. Sign below and demand swift and decisive action to ban this toxic practice.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Jinapor,
I am writing to urge you to immediately ban the use of cyanide in gold mining in Ghana. The use of this highly toxic chemical poses a significant threat to the health and safety of local communities and the environment.
Cyanide can contaminate soil and waterways, leading to the destruction of local ecosystems and the poisoning of fish and other aquatic life. In addition, the exposure of miners and local communities to cyanide can have serious health consequences, including respiratory problems, skin irritations, and even death.
We urge you to take immediate action and support the ban of cyanide in gold mining while promoting alternative methods of gold extraction, such as gravity concentration, to ensure sustainable and safe mining practices.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: ILO Asia-Pacific
1191 Signatures