Top Mining Firm Cedes Concession To Residents

…Deputy Minister Commends Cape Coast Resources Ltd

The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining, George Mireku Duker, has commended the large-scale mining firm, Cape Coast Resources Limited, for their brave decision to cede part of its concession to residents in its catchment area towards government’s flagship Community Mining programme.

The move by the mining firm, The Anchor gathered, was to establish a good relationship between the residents and the firm to avoid any intrusions or encroachment in the course of the company’s operations in the area.

Mr. Duker, who received officials from the company and representatives from the Aowin Municipal Assembly, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, on behalf of the sector minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, said their decision is heartwarming.

The purpose of the visit to the Lands Ministry was to conclude discussions on the agreement between the two parties towards the launch of the Community Mining Scheme in the Aowin Municipality in the Western North Region.

Describing the decision by the company as good news, Mr. Duker hoped the scheme will fulfill government’s aspirations to create decent jobs for the teeming youth and ward off people from polluting waterbodies, while reducing the negative impact on the environment.

The deputy minister admonished the mining company to have a written document detailing a well-thought-out negotiation with the leaders of the community to avoid unwarranted disagreements in the course of operations.

This, he stressed, is to also ensure responsible mining, which will serve the interest of the people and the country.

Launching

Mr. Mireku Duker, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa -Nsuaem, further directed the technical team from the ministry and the Minerals Commission to, as a matter of urgency, get the place set up for the launch.

He also directed for the provision of an operational modality which spells out regulations to adhere to best practices in the operations of the scheme under the small-scale mining architecture.

The deputy minister was however quick to announce that as part of responsible small-scale mining practices under the scheme, government through the ministry, will support them with a mercury-free machine to extract the gold and without the use of mercury.

Director speaks

Mr. Daniel Wilson, Country Manager of Cape Coast Resources Ltd, reaffirmed the company’s readiness to cede part of their mining concession for the Community Mining programme and pledged their willingness to foster closer collaboration with the locals of Ankaasi Community to make the programme a resounding success.

He said his company looks forward to having all issues pertaining to licensing resolved to obtain an amicable relationship with the community members.

Other members present at the meeting were Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Advisor on Mining to the Minister; Mr. Peter Awuah, Technical Director, Mines, and Mr. Bismark Quaynor, Cape Coast Resources, Administrator.

Source: Anchorghana.com