Newmont corrects $950 million figure quoted in media
report
Accra, June 9, Ghanadot/GNA -
Media reports stating that Newmont Mining Corporation was
committing 950 million dollars to its operations in Ghana
are inaccurate, a statement from the regional office of the
mining giant said on Monday.
Last Friday, the GNA quoted Newmont President and Chief
Executive Officer, Mr. Richard O'Brien, as telling
journalists at the presidency that “Newmont was committing
$950 million to its operations in Ghana”.
Mr O’Brien was reported to have said so when briefing
reporters after meeting with President John Atta Mills at
the Castle.
According to the statement signed by Miss Adiki O. Ayitevie,
Newmont Ghana's Regional Manager, Communications, Mr O’Brien
rather mentioned 950 dollars per ounce in reference to the
gold price at the time.
The statement said Mr. O’Brien responded to a question about
how much the company proposed to pump into its Ghana
operations in 2009 by saying that on average, Newmont was
spending 90 percent of its earnings from the country.
“We actually spend the majority of the money we make here in
Ghana at $950 dollar gold…We put back last year over $270
million in direct employment and benefits to the
government,” the statement quoted Mr. O’Brien as saying
during the interviews at the Castle.
Mr O’Brien also stated that Newmont was still exploring many
opportunities in Ghana, the statement said.
“Newmont is committed to doing business in Ghana going
forward and the company continues to invest in its
operations, host communities and employees,” the statement
added.
GNA
