Deputy minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has held further engagement with TW and Big Stone mining companies on local content, royalties, gold traceability, among others.

In light of the observations and directives made during the working visit to TW and Big Stone mining companies limited on April 6, 2023, by Mr Mireku Duker, he expressed the need for the further engagement with officials from these mining companies.

The instructive meetings with the officials from both companies were exclusive of each other and was focused largely on some pertinent issues Mr Mireku Duker raised during his visits to the two firms.

The Deputy Minister in his speech emphasized government’s dedication to cracking down on any activity that directly and indirectly promote galamsey activities. He explained that government is very much interested in how the company procures the minerals.

During the meeting with TW Tailing Mining Limited, the deputy lands minister noted that by addressing the issues of traceability, the government will be dealing directly with the root cause of illegal mining.

In his engagement with officials of Big Stone Mining Limited, Hon. Mireku Duker was still not impressed by the company’s activities and made it clear to the management that urgent steps needed to be taken to address them.

Among the issues raised was the source of their gold, their relationship with the communities within which they operate, their local content policy, royalty payment, among others. The Deputy Minister also charged the two mining companies to furnish the Ministry through the Minerals Commission a comprehensive data about how they source their minerals.

According to him, government is determined to help the company succeed as their success will have a myriad of socio-economic benefits for the country.

He made the point that royalties paid by the companies will be kept in the Minerals Investment Income Fund (MIIF) and used to undertake various developmental projects.

He commended the companies for building strong relationships with communities within their area of operations and charged them to contribute to government’s aim to build a sustainable mining industry.

Mining companies assures government of efforts to address issues raised

On his part, Mr. John Amoani, the Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission, used the opportunity to seek an update on some issues raised by the two companies. He was given an assurance by the company’s representatives that issues are being addressed and work is ongoing.

Also, Mr Ben Aryee, advisor on mines to the Minister demanded of the company to recruit a sizeable number of Ghanaians into key positions in the company.

The deputy lands minister earlier this month stated that the government will continue to create an enabling environment for the smooth operation of licensed large and small-scale mining companies in the country. He indicated that mining companies hold a strategic and indispensable position in Ghana’s economy and its growth. In light of this, he stated that the government will continue to facilitate policies that ensure their smooth operations.

Speaking to officials at TW Tailings Mining Company at Suhyenso in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region, he explained that the purpose of the visit was to ascertain the traceability of the gold objects which the company refines.

Mr Mireku Duker disclosed that creating the enabling environment for a thriving mining industry includes ensuring that the minerals are procured from legitimate sources.

In reaction to this, the Manager in charge of Health and Safety of TW Tailings Mining Limited, Mr. Ernest Antwi gave a general overview of the company including staff population and operational capacity and processes. He assured that the company has acted within the dictates of their licenses and also adhered to environmental guidelines.