Gold prospecting in progress in Upper West

Wa, Sept. 4, GNA - Azuma Resources Company, an Australian mining company prospecting for gold in the Upper West region has so far spent one million dollars in its activities since February while at the same time directly employing some 150 local people, officials have said. The company has been granted a 2,177 sq-km concession to prospect for gold stretching from Tangasia to cherikpong in the region, according to Mohammed Munkailah, supervising geologist of RSG Global, a consultancy firm contracted by Azama resources to recruit technical and other workers on its behalf.

Mr Munkailah was briefing the regional minister, Mr Ambrose Dery, when he paid a courtesy call on him.

He said test samples had been sent to Tarkwa for analysis to ascertain the potential of gold in the concession area. Mr Munkailah said actual gold mining might take some few years to start, as the company would have to provide the necessary infrastructure facilities.

He was however not happy about the invasion of its concessions by illegal miners.

Mr Ambrose Dery assured the company of the necessary assistance by the Regional Security Council to check the activities of the illegal miners.

He described the operations of the company as holding greater prospects for the large number of unemployed in the region in view of the short farming season in the region.