Shaanxi mining company to pay compensation to Talensi residents

Shaanxi Mining Company Limited, a subsidiary of China Gold Resources Group Company in the Talensi District, has assured that it was working with the necessary stakeholders to compensate persons affected by its mining activities.

This comes in the wake of some members in Gbane, Datuku, Yale communities, the mining area in the Talensi District demanding compensation from the Shaanxi Mining Company and its allies.

Shaanxi Mining Company Limited is providing mining services to two small scale registered mining groups known as Nyennyeye and Puboaataba in the area who had legally acquired their concessions.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Gbane, the Public Relations Officer of the mining company, Mr Maxwell Wooma indicated that his outfit was working hard with the Mineral Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders to work out to see whether they could compensate those who claimed to be affected.

“As soon as we are able to finish the process and compensation merited, we will work out the modalities to pay those who claimed they are affected”, he stressed.

He said though the people had the right to compensation, they should not overreact considering the numerous benefits the company was bringing to the community. He said the company for instance had provided employment to about 400 people drawn from the community.

“In addition, the company is currently sinking 10 boreholes which are valued at GH¢100,000 to the communities. Computers including chairs had also been provided to some schools in the area and plans are far advanced to build a school for the community,” Mr Wooma stated.

He called on traditional authorities and community members to close their ranks and cooperate with the company to embark upon production in May to June this year, stressing that when it starts full scale production the community would benefit enormously.

The Project Manager of the Company, Mr Zhao Bochen, said the management of the Company cherished peace, which is a cardinal principle to development and indicated that the Company would adhere strictly to the laws of Ghana and appealed to the community people to cooperate with them.

The Human Resource Manager, Mr Joseph Anokye said the Company placed workers welfare at the centre of affairs and stated for instance that, at the beginning of every year there was salary increment and that the Company did that in January.

“We also operate in line with the Labour Act. Normal working is followed strictly. Where overtime comes in, payment is done. The Company had also registered its workers under the National Health Insurance Scheme. First aid is also provided instantly to workers when the need arise,” the Human Resource Manager stressed.

The Safety Engineer of the Company, Thomas Yenzanya said his outfit operates strictly according to the mining procedures of Ghana and that Chief Inspector of Mines often visit the site to inspect, adding “Safety Education also go on before work. Our underground work where we operate is also well ventilated, enclave shaft more developed and no pollution”

Mr Charles Taleog Ndanbon, Director of Puboaataba, impressed upon all those small scale mining groups who had no licenses to go for it and to go into partnership with the mining company to offer them technical support service to enable them benefit fully.