One of Ghana’s biggest bullion producers, AngloGold Ashanti has reiterated its worry over the persisting activities of illegal gold miners at its Obuasi Mine in the Ashanti Region.
The company has said it has grave and mounting concern over the situation at the mine, where illegal miners (galamsey operators) have been looting AngloGold’s high-grade gold-bearing material for more than two months.
According to Mr Eric Asobonteng, Managing Director (MD) of AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine, since the security forces were withdrawn at the beginning of February this year, following a clash between management of the Obuasi Mine and some illegal miners, which led to the death of the former’s corporate affairs manager, invasion of their concessions by illegal miners has continued unabated.
“At each step in this unfortunate process, we have kept all authorities informed of developments, including of the damage being caused to the mine, the Obuasi community, and the long-term prospects for this important resource,” Mr Asobonteng said.
The MD of the Obuasi Mine was addressing media personnel in Accra.
He stated that AngloGold Ashanti’s hopes were temporarily raised when it was announced that President Mahama had directed the return of the Ghana Army to the Obuasi Mine, adding, however, that on March 26, 2016 the military received an instruction to pull back to guard only certain limited parts of the mine.
“To this day the illegal miners continue to operate with impunity on the richest parts of the ore body. We are at a loss to understand how a clear directive has been ignored. We fear serious and lasting consequences if the situation is allowed to continue,” Mr Asobonteng lamented.
He noted that AngloGold Ashanti’s primary aim is to turn the Obuasi Mine into a long-life, modern, mining operation that will attract foreign investment and provide high-quality direct and indirect employment, taxes and foreign exchange revenue to Ghana.
However, the continued presence of the galamsey operators, according to the company, jeopardises the realisation of that aim.
“It is crucial that the Government of Ghana works with AngloGold Ashanti to resolve threats to the viability of Obuasi and its contribution to the Ghanaian economy,” Mr Asobonteng urged.
Source: The Finder