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Goldfields to expand its Tarkwa mill next year
Takoradi, Dec 31, GNA- Goldfields Ghana Limited is to expand
its Tarkwa mill at a cost of 175 million US dollars next
year, Dr. Tony Obeng, Head of the Company's Corporate
Affairs and Social Development, announced on Friday.
He was speaking at a reception organised by the Tarkwa Mine
of the Company for media personnel at Takoradi.
Dr. Obeng said the Board of Directors of the Company have
approved the expansion project, which is expected to lead to
an increase of production by one million ounces of gold in
the long term.
He said the mill expansion project would not have a negative
impact on the environment.
Dr. Obeng said the company has also earmarked 1.5 million US
dollars for social development projects in communities
within its catchments area next year.
He said projects would be undertaken in the area of
education, health, sanitation as well as income enhancement
businesses such agro processing.
Dr. Obeng said the income enhancement project is to stop the
communities from developing a dependence syndrome.
He said the company wants to develop a real partnership with
the communities and assist them to stand on their feet.
Dr. Obeng said the company has been transparent in its
operations and accountable to the government and the
communities in which they operate, and also pay its taxes
and royalties.
It would also ensure safety at the mines and be committed to
development.
“The company would also continue supporting the National
football team, the Black Stars by assisting to prepare them
for the CAN 2008”.
Mr. Stephen Yerenkyi, Head of Public Relations at the Tarkwa
Mine of Goldfields Ghana Limited, said reclaimed and
restored lands on the company's concession could be used for
agriculture.
He said Goldfields has decided to establish oil palm
plantations on some reclaimed lands in support of the
country's agriculture development.
Mr. Yerenkyi said an employment committee has been set up to
ensure that 90 per cent of the workforce for the mill
expansion project is local people.
GNA
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