Adamus Resources Limited’s mining leases for the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful concessions have been revoked by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah due to verified infractions of Ghana’s mining regulations.
The Minerals Commission’s investigations, which revealed extensive unlawful and unlicensed mining operations on the company’s concessions, led to the ruling.
The Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and other relevant rules were violated, according to the Ministry.
According to the investigation’s findings, Adamus Resources:
• Sub-contracted mining operations without obtaining mandatory ministerial approval
• Operated without approved mining plans or permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines
• Failed to secure necessary environmental approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority
• Allowed foreign nationals, particularly Chinese operators, to engage in illegal mining activities (galamsey)
• Conducted mining outside designated areas and in ways described as substandard
Significant environmental harm, such as land degradation and threats to water bodies, public health, and local livelihoods, was also underlined in the report.
Based on the findings, the Minister decided that the leases should be immediately revoked in the public interest because the infractions were serious and intentional, following the Minerals Commission’s recommendations.
The action, according to the authorities, is a part of a larger initiative to stop the misuse of mineral rights and to crack down on illegal mining, or galamsey.
The Ministry indicated that the revocation does not preclude criminal prosecution. The Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995) may result in charges against Adamus Resources Limited, its directors, and its management.
The government has promised to take action to safeguard the livelihoods of workers impacted by the ruling, and more steps will be revealed.
The Ministry pledged to keep taking robust action against illegal mining operations and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.
Source: newsthemegh.com