Noble Gold Mining Limited (NGML), an Australian company and the new owners of the Bibiani concession, has pledged to maintain best practices to ensure environmental safety.

Mr Henry Ayisi-Tandoh, the Mining Manager, said the company had put in place adequate measures to prevent discharge of water from its tailings dam into the environment.

The company has already started cyanide handling training and drawn up emergency procedures to tackle accidental spillage.

He was speaking at a public hearing on the mining project attended by officials of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chiefs, assembly members and people in the operation area.

Mr. Ayisi-Tandoh said areas around active mining pits would be protected by 500-metre buffer zones to make sure that people do not inadvertently endanger themselves.

He said NGBL would continue to pay the school fees of some students in the area in both second cycle and tertiary institutions, maintain basic education facilities and supply the people with potable water.

The company has established a Community Mine Consultative Committee to encourage stakeholder participation and strengthen its relations with the communities through mutual trust and respect.

Nana Yaw Gyebi Ogyeahoh II, Omanhene of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, urged the NGBL to pay reasonable compensation to those who would lose their farms and support the communities with social amenities.