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National Coalition on Mining objects to surface
mining in forest reserves
Yayaaso (E/R), July 13, GNA - The National Coalition on
Mining, a non- governmental organization (NGO) made up of 18
organizations, individuals and persons from communities
affected by mining operations in the country have objected
to surface mining in forest reserves in the Birim North
District.
The coalition has, therefore, called on the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) not to grant environmental permit to
Newmont Golding Ridge Rresource Limited to conduct surface
gold mining operation in the Ajenua Bepo Forest Reserve in
the Birim North district.
These were contained in a statement presented by the
coalition at the third public hearing organized by the EPA
at Yayaaso, near New Abirem.
Presenting the statement, a Spokesman for the coalition, Mr
Kwasi Johnson said a new draft Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) presented to the EPA by the Company proposed
to develop a surface gold mine in the District and this
would directly affect 1,915 hectares through the removal of
vegetation, soil and subsoil, waste disposal and tailings
dumps.
He said out of the total land area, 74 hectares were located
in the Ajenua Bepo Forest Reserve, which is rich in
biodiversity, would be opened up for destruction by surface
mining.
Mr Johnson noted that destruction of the Forest and the hill
would have severe consequences on the rainfall pattern and
distribution in the area and also affect six rivers, which
took their sources from the mountain in the Forest Reserve.
He said the EIS report identified 18 major heritage sites,
nine of which were of archaeological significance and two of
prehistoric value distributed around the concession to be
mined.
The Minister of Lands Forestry and Mines, Ms Esther Obeng
Dapaah said the Government would ensure that the right
procedures were followed to enhance the development of the
mining industry in the country.
She urged Newmount to execute all its environmental and
other related obligations under the legal framework to
ensure that the nation and the communities were not left
worse off after the life of the mines.
The Regional Vice President in charge of environment and
social responsibility of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Mr Nick
Cotts said the Company would be committed to sustain
development protection of human life, health, the
environment and add value to the communities in their
operations.
He said Newmont would consider technical, environmental and
social aspects of the project and to find solutions and
develop plans that would maximize the benefit and minimize
or mitigate the negative impact in accordance with Ghanaian
laws and internationally accepted standards.
GNA
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