The Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine will continue to be protected by the government, according to Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who is also striving to promote ethical and sustainable small-scale mining in Obuasi.
The Minister made this statement on Monday [June 5, 2023] on a working visit to Obuasi in response to an illegal miner invasion of an underground mining pit within AngloGold Ashanti's concession last week that resulted in an altercation between the Municipality's security and some youth from the town.
Unauthorised miners stranded in an AngloGold shaft
Management: No one is trapped at the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi underground mine.
The visit's objectives were to evaluate the local situation and consult with the different parties involved in the deadlock.
Separate meetings were held by the Minister with the management of AngloGold Ashanti, small-scale miners, the Municipal and District Security Councils in the Obuasi Municipality, and the Adansi Traditional Area.
He then went to the concession's region, where illegal miners used to inspect the pit and other unofficial channels that some of the miners had set up.
Mr. Jinapor gave the mining business assurances about the government's unwavering dedication to safeguarding its concessions. "We now have a better grasp of the pertinent topics. In order to safeguard AngloGold Ashanti's concession and devise a plan that would result in a long-lasting solution to the problem, we have had extremely in-depth conversations and come to a number of conclusions.
The Minister emphasised the need for them to follow national laws and make sure they conduct themselves lawfully, responsibly, and in line with established protocols during the meeting with the small-scale miners.
He said that while the government was not opposed to small-scale mining, it would not be tolerated if it violated the law.
The country's mining rules, according to Mr. Jinapor, will be scrupulously upheld, and anyone who breaks them will be subject to the full force of the law.
The Minister also gave the Deputy Minister in Charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, the responsibility of leading a committee that would, among other things, look at the internal security architecture of the company, create community mining schemes (CMS) to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for the teaming youth, and make sure that all parties in the municipality work well together.
He emphasised, however, that "lack of employment cannot be a justification for illegalities."
After the talks, Mr. Jinapor briefed the media and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the Obuasi Mine of AngloGold and all other authorised mining operations in the nation.
The minister stressed the AngloGold Obuasi Mine's critical economic significance to the nation.
He said that unlawful mining was a factor in the mine's 2016 placement under care and maintenance.
But in 2019, the mine was revived thanks to the efforts of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
He urged all parties to cooperate in order to safeguard the mine as a national treasure.
"I want to emphasise how crucial this asset is to the nation's economic... I should assert vehemently that it is government policy to use all legal measures to defend AngloGold's concession, the official added.
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