The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has registered more than 9,000 miners and 700 mining cooperatives under a new programme aimed at promoting responsible small-scale mining, while confirming the discovery of high-grade iron ore deposits in the Oti Region.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah said the registration was carried out under the Responsible Community Mining Scheme Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).

According to the minister, the initiative is intended to formalise small-scale mining operations and promote responsible mining practices across the country.

Mr Buah said the registration of miners and cooperatives forms part of government's broader efforts to strengthen regulation within the sector and improve sustainable mineral resource management.

The minister also announced that the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) had completed mineral resource estimation at the Asato-Gyamurume Iron Ore Block in the Oti Region.

He said the assessment confirmed the presence of high-grade iron ore deposits, describing it as a significant step in advancing Ghana's mineral resource development.

The minister said both initiatives form part of government's efforts to improve governance in the mining sector while supporting industrialisation and the sustainable development of the country's natural resources.