The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining, Hon. George Mireku Duker, has admonished mining companies in the country to engage the best of technical heads to ensure success in their mining operations.

Speaking after his working tour of Gold Team Mining Company, he revealed that the recruitment of personnel with the right technical knowledge and experience is integral to the success of mining companies.

Mr Duker made the call after his tour of the company which led to the realization of some shortfalls in the company’s operational capabilities.

Key among the observations made was the apparent absence of a security and safety plan, power supply issues, ore recovery pitfalls and apparent lack of Ghanaian representation in the management arm of the company.

To address these challenges, Mr Duker implored the management of the company to recruit a security person of high repute who will create an effective and enforceable plan for the protection of the company and its resources.

Touching on the issue of ore discovery, he revealed that the technical expertise abounds in the country to help address the problem.

With this, he equally advised the company to exchange information and knowledge with fellow companies and industry players on how they surmounted similar challenges which ones crippled their operations.

Furthermore, Mr Duker noted that the Ministry through the Minerals Commission will make available engineers and experts who will offer quintessential and technical guidance to the company.

“We have spotted a few things that internally we will discuss with them and find ways of helping them. The Minerals Commission also has engineers who can help them, so we engage more.”
George Mireku Duker

Operational capabilities of Golden Team

Overall, the deputy lands minister was impressed with the company’s commitment to protecting the environment and adhering to the principles of the license that makes their operations legitimate.

He expressed gratitude on the over 300 Ghanaians the Golden Team mining company has employed and further commended the team for the harmonious relationship between them and the community in their catchment area.

With this, he noted that with a little intervention of technical assistance and personnel the company will witness a huge rise in their productivity.

On his part, Mr. Michael Lee, the Managing Director of Golden Team Mining Company outlined some major corporate social responsibility initiatives that his outfit has embarked and assured of their commitment to deliver more.

He further highlighted some challenges and appealed to the Deputy Minister to help address those concerns.