Galamseyers invade Shaanxi mining site

The management of the Shaanxi Mining Company Limited has warned of an imminent mine disaster if government authorities do not move in swiftly to halt operations of illegal miners (galamseyers) at its sites at Gbaane in the Upper East Region.

According to the company, the illegal miners have returned to its underground mines at Gbaane in the Talensi District of Region in their hundreds to prospect for gold despite an order for them to cease their activities.

It is recalled that seven of the illegal miners who were using an open pit to access the concession of the Chinese mining firm died in May this year after inhaling poisonous gas. The incident led to a temporary shutdown of the firm’s operations while investigations were carried out to establish the cause of the deaths.

However, the company says the illegal miners have returned in full force and in most cases using explosives to extract gold.

The Public Relations Officer of the Company Maxwell Wooma told Class News on Tuesday October 17: “We are aware that the Regional Minister has set up a committee and we respect that one but we want swift action.

“We have the equipment to fill the pits they are creating but we can be charged for unlawfully entering into their homes because all these pits are in the houses of the illegal miners, and, so, you cannot move with your equipment into somebody’s yard and start filling the pits; that is going to be dangerous for our social relations in the area.

“That is why we want those who have the authority to identify illegal miners to act swiftly to save the lives of the very young ones.

“Young boys of 12, 13 and 14 years are being used to perpetuate this heinous illegal mining underground and that is the danger, so we respectfully call on authorities to immediately intervene.”

Source: Ghana/ClassFMonline.com/91.3FM