Newmont Deaths: Unannounced inspections needed at mining sites – Tony Aubyn

Former Chief Executive officer the Minerals Commission Dr. Tony Aubyn has called for periodic inspections at mining sites in the country in order to avert accidents that can lead to deaths.

The call comes on the back of the death of some six contractor workers of mining giant Newmont Ghana.

The mining company in a statement confirming the fatal accident, which occurred on Saturday April 7, 2018, said two others were treated and discharged.

“The entire Newmont family is devastated by this tragic accident and our priority is to provide support to the families, friends and co-workers of the deceased,” said Alwyn Pretorius, Regional Senior Vice President of Newmont’s Africa Operations.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Aubyn urged mining firms to ensure the absolute protection of their workers.

“Mining is a very dangerous and risky business and so we must make sure that those who go to work every morning at mining sites return home. What happened at Newmont is unfortunate. Over the years, I will say Ghana has improved when it comes to safety at our mining sites. I think periodic and scheduled inspections at our mining sites should happen. Unannounced inspections should take place once a while also. Monitoring and Supervision should increase at our mining sites,” he told Francis Abban on Morning Starr.

For his part, President of Affected Miners association Kennedy Adu called on the management of Newmont to provide appropriate compensation for the families of the deceased miners.

“Some of the sub-contractors working at Newmont do not pay attention to safety and that is unfortunate. For Newmont as a company, they really care about safety. I am expecting Newmont to take care of the families of the deceased. The children of those who have lost their lives should be taken through school to the University level”.