Youth protest against surface mining in Nzema East

Salman (W/R), Oct 6, GNA - Some youths from Salman, Anwia, Nkroful, Teleku-Bokazo, Akanko, Dowale, Apataim, Asanta have threatened to prevent Adamus Resources Limited (ARL) from mining in their communities. They showed their displeasure at a public hearing on a report of the Southern Ashanti Gold Project.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) organised the forum at Salman in the Nzema East District of the Western Region on Wednesday. Adamus Resources limited (ARL) owns 90 percent of the concession while the government owns 10 percent. The youth alleged that several mining companies operating in the country "promise the respective communities heaven but rather give them hell".

They said surface mining was likely to affect their livelihoods since many of them would loose their farmlands while their surface and underground water sources were likely to be polluted. The youth therefore insisted that they were not in favour of surface mining in their respective communities. Mr John Kwaku Christian, Assemblyman for Salman, said the control of dust, the payment of compensation for farm and unused lands and relocation of the inhabitants must be properly discussed.

Mr Simon E Meadows-Smith, Project Manager, assured the communities that the company would follow national and international mining laws, EPA directives and to safeguard their interests.

He said a Crop Compensation Committee (CCC) had been established and was negotiating with the farmers about compensation. Mr Meadows-Smith said that the Anwia and Akanko communities would not be re-settled but Salman would be re-located because the community is at the heart of the open pit to be constructed.

Mr Meadows-Smith said the company would do surface mining, an ore processing facility, waste dump and tailings dam. He said the minimum mine life was six years and a total of 100,000 ounces of gold to be poured each year.

The company is expected to begin construction in June 2007 and begin operation in October 2008.

Mr Anthony A. C. Andoh, the Director of Mining at the EPA, said those to be re-located would be housed in modern and descent accommodation that would meet the requirements of the affected communities.