As Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited transitions from construction to production at its gold mine in Biung, Talensi District, the company has pledged to deepen its investment in local communities once revenue begins to flow from its operations.
During a familiarization visit to the mining site on Wednesday, led by the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) were briefed on the progress of Ghana’s largest single-stream gold mine, which is expected to produce 150 million ounces of gold over a 15-year lifespan.
Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent of Cardinal Namdini Mining, Maxwell Wooma, emphasized that the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) will intensify once full production commences and revenue is generated.
“Now that we are beginning to run into production, once the revenue keeps coming, then we begin to meet the needs of the people around us,” Mr. Wooma stated. “We are already doing a lot, but more will come once we stabilize and start generating income.”
He said the company has already undertaken several community support projects, including youth training programs, donations to the Upper East Regional Hospital, construction of roads, and resettlement packages for locals affected by the mining activities.
Mr. Wooma noted that although the company is not yet fully operational, it has prioritized building strong relations with host communities, understanding that its “license to operate” goes beyond legal permits and depends on community acceptance and cooperation.
“The social license is more important to us than the paper license,” he said, adding that peace and community support are critical at this phase of their operations.
On his part, the Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, commended the company for its community engagement and infrastructure development. He described the project site as impressive and praised the company’s long-term plan to convert the mined pit into an agricultural education facility after decommissioning.
“We are pleased that even after the mine is exhausted, the land will not be left as a gaping hole but will be transformed for educational and agricultural purposes,” the minister said.
He also urged the company to prioritize local employment and training to curb youth migration to the south in search of jobs.
“Let the youth take advantage of the training opportunities offered by the company. Even those without skills are being trained and absorbed, and that’s something we truly appreciate,” he said.
Minister Atanga further called for peaceful collaboration between the company and surrounding communities, warning that violence or vandalism could undermine the benefits the mine brings to the district.
“If we don’t have the capacity to extract these resources ourselves, then let’s cooperate with those who do, so we all benefit,” he added.
The regional minister confirmed ongoing community engagements with small-scale miners in areas like Bongo and Naaga, encouraging them to register into cooperatives and work responsibly in collaboration with the company.
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