A Chinese mining company, Global Ore Industries Limited, has expressed frustration over its inability to take over a legally approved concession at Aboso in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region.
The company has consequently appealed to the Minerals Commission (MC) to intervene.
According to the firm, despite securing full approval from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) to operate a large-scale mining concession stretching from Fanti Mine to Bompieso, illegal miners have persistently obstructed their operations.
Documents sighted by Journalists show that on January 3, 2024, the Ministry officially approved the transfer of the Aboso Mining Lease from Adudanfed Company Limited to Global Ore Industries Limited.
The approval letter, signed by then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, stated.
“In accordance with Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and upon the recommendation of the Minerals Commission pursuant to Section 100(2) of the same Act, I hereby approve the deed of assignment between Adudanfed Company Limited and Global Ore Industries Limited concerning the Aboso Mining Lease.”
Copies of the letter were forwarded to the Minerals Commission, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly.
Despite this, the company says it has been unable to take control of the site due to encroachment and resistance from illegal miners. Management also claims it has already paid millions of cedis in compensation to farmers whose crops were affected by the concession.
According to the company, some of its workers were threatened by armed illegal miners during attempts to commence operations incidents they describe as acts of intimidation and robbery. These threats, they said, have disrupted ongoing exploration activities and created an unsafe environment for their team.
A company official who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity revealed that the firm has not received any support from either the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) or the local Member of Parliament in resolving the situation.
He further expressed concern that, despite the recent directive by the National Alternative Livelihood and Small-Scale Mining Programme (NAILSS) to clear illegal miners from the area, many continue to operate, allegedly with the backing of some local political figures.
Global Ore Industries has therefore appealed to the Minerals Commission to ensure that the company gains access to its legally acquired concession to commence full-scale mining operations.