By Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
Government has revoked the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited, covering the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful concessions. The action follows damning revelations of illicit mining activities and egregious breaches of statutory obligations.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Sunday, April 26, was predicated on exhaustive investigative findings by the Minerals Commission. The reports conclusively established that the company had perpetrated unauthorized mining operations in flagrant violation of Ghana’s minerals and mining statutes.
According to the report, Adamus Resources Limited sub-contracted mining activities on its concessions without obtaining the required ministerial approval, in breach of Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The investigations further unveiled that the company conducted operations bereft of approved mining plans and without valid operating permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines, contravening Regulation 8(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).
The Minerals Commission also ascertained that the company failed to secure mandatory approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), as required under Section 18 of Act 703.
Moreover, the report exposed the complicity of foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, in mining activities characterized as illegal, in breach of provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
The investigations further showed that mining operations were conducted outside approved concession areas and away from designated infrastructure, resulting in significant environmental degradation, including land disturbance and threats to water bodies, ecosystems, and nearby communities.
Citing the magnitude and deliberate nature of the infractions, the Minister acted upon the recommendation of the Minerals Commission under Section 100(2) of Act 703, asserting that revocation was imperative in the public interest.
“In view of the gravity and deliberate nature of these breaches, the Minister, upon the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission given pursuant to section 100(2) of Act 703, has determined that immediate revocation of the mineral rights is warranted in the public interest, especially in cases where mineral rights are being used to facilitate illegal mining activities (“galamsey”) or where statutory requirements have been fundamentally violated” the statement said.
The Ministry underscored that the revocation does not preclude possible criminal prosecution against Adamus Resources Limited, its directors, and management under the relevant provisions of the law.
It further assured that measures will be instituted to safeguard the livelihoods of workers impacted by the decision, with additional details to be communicated in due course.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to dismantle illegal mining networks, vowing to continue wielding firm and uncompromising action to protect Ghana’s natural endowments and enforce strict adherence within the mining sector.