The General Manager of Earl International Group (GH) Gold Limited, Liu Jin Tao, has appealed to government to urgently intervene in curbing illegal mining activities within the company’s legally acquired concession in Gbane in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to the company’s operational site as part of his working tour of mining areas in the region.
Welcoming the Minister and his delegation, Mr. Liu Jin Tao expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a recognition of the company’s contribution to the economic and social development of both the Upper East Region and Ghana at large.
“We are privileged to have you here today to see our investments, understand our operations, and gain firsthand insight into the challenges we face as a company doing legal business in Ghana,” he stated.
Despite significant investments and operational expansion since the company secured its large-scale mining lease in 2019, the General Manager said illegal mining activities—commonly known as galamsey, continue to pose a major threat to the company’s operations.
“The activities of illegal mining in our legally acquired concession are seriously affecting our operations,” he said. “Intrusion into our underground areas by illegal miners, the removal of our underground support pillars, and the unregulated use of cyanide within our concession are serious threats.”
He warned that such activities not only undermine lawful investments but also pose grave safety and environmental risks, including potential structural collapse and chemical contamination.
Mr. Liu Jin Tao emphasized that the Ministry, as the sector regulator, plays a crucial role in addressing the situation, noting that such matters often come before the Minister in various forms.
“As sector Minister, you play a crucial role in helping us correct this wrong. We will continue to appeal to you and all stakeholders to take this issue seriously and work with us to address it,” he appealed.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to operating responsibly and contributing to national development despite the challenges, adding that its growth would not be detached from the well-being of its host communities.
“Though we are challenged, we assure you that we will continue to honour our duties to the state of Ghana and contribute to the development of our surrounding communities,” he said.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|
