Management of Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited has highlighted its investment contributions to economic growth while raising concerns over the impact of illegal mining activities on its operations in the Upper East Region.
The concerns were expressed during a visit by Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and officials from the Minerals Commission to the company’s mining site in Gbane.
Welcoming the delegation, the company’s General Manager said the visit provided an opportunity for authorities to gain firsthand knowledge of the firm’s operations and challenges since it secured a large-scale mining lease in 2019.
Management described the visit as recognition of its role in supporting economic and social development in the region through investment, employment creation and collaboration with regulatory bodies.
However, company officials warned that persistent illegal mining activities within their legally acquired concession pose serious safety and operational risks.
“The activities of illegal mining in our legally acquired concession are seriously affecting our operations,” the General Manager said, citing intrusion into underground working areas, destruction of support pillars and the unregulated use of chemicals such as cyanide.
He appealed to the minister and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to address the problem and protect legitimate mining investments.
Despite the challenges, management said the company remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to the state and ensuring that the benefits of its operations extend to surrounding communities.
“Our growth will not be isolated from the growth of our surrounding communities,” he said.
The company also expressed confidence that continued collaboration between government, regulators and industry players would help resolve sector challenges and promote sustainable mining practices in the region.
