Illegal mining bites gov’t hard - Nii Osah Mills

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Nii Osah Mills says the activities of illegal miners in the country pose a challenge to government.

He said government was looking at ways to tackle the menace and restore order to the mines.

AngloGold Ashanti-Obuasi Mine, Perseus mining in Ayanfuri and Owere Mines in recent months have seen an escalation of activities of illegal miners on their concessions.

Some assets belonging to these miners have been vandalized by the illegal miners and government appears to be unconcerned about the situation.

Mr. Osah Mills, who was speaking in an interview with BUSINESS GUIDE at the weekend in Accra, said “Illegal mining is not permitted in Ghana under the law but what is happening in Ghana now is that a lot of people who have livelihood issues are looking for jobs and are attracted to do mining without recourse to the law and is a problem for us.”

Mr Osah Mills said illegal activity disrupts those who have a legitimate business and lawful lease, stating “this is truly a challenge to us. We are looking at ways to curb it.”

Security At Obuasi Mines

Mr Osah Mills said government was putting measures in place to restore order to AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mines, admitting that security at the Obuasi Mine is not the best.

“No government will sit down to allow illegal miners to take over a mine so we are very sure that we will work to curb those illegal activities,” he said.

State of Anglogold Ashanti

Sulemanu Koney, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM) recently told the media that Anglogold Ashanti has particularly been inundated by illegal miners which has affected its inability to attract investors to partner it to revamp the mine.

He said the recent surge in illegal mining activities at the Obuasi Mine has been a nightmare and has not stopped even with the return of military personnel who have been stationed only at the entrance to the shaft of the mine.