EPA Cautions Mining Firms on Illegal Operations
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, (EPA) Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has warned that government will not hesitate to revoke mining licences, impose fines, or sanction companies found to be engaging in illegal mining activities.
Her remarks follow the revocation of the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited, covering the Akango, Salman and Nkroful concessions.
The decision, announced in a statement by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Sunday, April 26, was based on investigations conducted by the Minerals Commission, which uncovered multiple breaches of Ghana’s mining laws.
According to the findings, Adamus Resources Limited engaged in unauthorised mining operations and subcontracted portions of its concessions without obtaining the required ministerial approval, contrary to provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The company was also found to have operated without approved mining plans and valid permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines, in violation of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).
Further investigations revealed that the company failed to secure mandatory environmental approvals from the EPA and allowed illegal mining activities within its concessions.
The report also cited the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining operations, in breach of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
Additionally, mining activities were conducted outside approved concession areas, resulting in significant environmental damage, including land degradation and threats to water bodies, ecosystems and nearby communities.
Citing the severity of the violations, the Minister acted on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission under Section 100(2) of Act 703, stating that the revocation was necessary in the public interest.
The Ministry emphasised that the decision does not rule out possible criminal prosecution of the company, its directors and management.
It also assured that measures would be put in place to protect the livelihoods of workers affected by the revocation.
The Ministry reaffirmed government’s commitment to clamp down on illegal mining and enforce strict compliance within the sector.
Meanwhile, Professor Klutse stressed that mining companies must take full responsibility for activities within their concessions and must not permit illegal operators to function under their watch.
She warned that any failure to comply with environmental and operational regulations will attract sanctions, including fines, penalties or the withdrawal of licences.
According to her, regulatory actions will be determined by the scale and severity of non-compliance identified during inspections.
She further cautioned all mining firms to adhere strictly to the law or risk facing similar consequences.
