Newmont opens up for scrutiny

Accra, Sept 11, GNA - Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) has started making available for stakeholder reading and comment a comprehensive document on what will become of its first operating mine in the Brong Ahafo Region.

The documents include material that has already been made available to regulatory agencies in respect of environmental permitting procedures.

They are the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Resettlement Action Plan, Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan, Independent Assessment of Resettlement and Compensation Programme. A document made available to the Ghana News Agency Business Desk said paper documents have been placed at the palaces of Kenyasi Number One and Two, Ntotroso and Wamahinso.

It is also available at the Asutifi District Assembly, Public Outreach Office of NGGL, Kenyasi, Office of the Regional Coordinating Council, Sunyani, Regional Town and Country Planning Office, Sunyani, Regional Office Land Valuation Board and the Regional Library in Sunyani.

NGGL said the process is to seek feedback from the public to enable improvements in its operations.

The company also said in releasing the documents, it intended to keep stakeholders informed about NGGL activities, generate and document local community support for the project, document development and formal public consultation while establishing formal complaint and resolution mechanisms. "Communication on and disclosure of the contents of the four documents will continue among communities in the concession area," the document added.

Dr Chris Anderson, Director External Relations Africa and Europe commenting on the release of the documents, said it was a confirmation of Newmont's commitment to the values of transparency and public engagement.

The Ahafo Project was formalised on 19th December 2003 with the signing of an investment agreement between the Government of Ghana and Newmont.

Newmont started mine construction in April of 2004, having completed the requisite leasing and environmental permitting procedures and is expected to commission its processing plant in July 2006.