Pursuant to the observations and directives made during the working visit to TW and Big Stone mining companies on April 6, 2023, by Mr. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources on Wednesday, 19 April 2023, held a further engagement with officials from TW Tailing Mining Limited and Big Stone Mining Limited.
The congenial yet instructive meetings with the officials which were exclusive of each other focused largely on some pertinent issues Hon. Mireku Duker raised during his visits to the two firms.
The Deputy Minister was firm in his message to the companies that the government is cracking down on any activity that directly and indirectly promotes galamsey activities and therefore very interested in how the company procures the minerals.
During the meeting with TW Tailing Mining Limited, Mr. Mireku Duker 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, Mr. Mireku Duker was still not impressed by the company’s activities and made it clear to the management that urged steps needed to be made 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, and 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, the 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 charge them to contribute to the government’s aim to build a sustainable mining industry.
Mr. John Amoani, the Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission sought an update on some issues raised by the two companies.
He was given assurance by the company’s representatives that issues are being addressed and work is ongoing.
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.
