Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has directed the immediate revocation of the Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining leases held by Adamus Resources Limited, following confirmed violations of the country’s mining laws.
The decision, announced in a statement by the Ministry’s Communications Directorate, is based on findings from investigations conducted by the Minerals Commission, which uncovered multiple breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and related regulations.
According to the report, Adamus Resources Limited unlawfully subcontracted mining operations on its concessions without obtaining mandatory ministerial approval, in contravention of Section 14 of Act 703.
The company was also found to have undertaken mining activities without approved operating plans or valid permits issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines, as required under the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical Regulations, 2012).
Further violations included failure to secure the necessary approvals from regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Authority, as stipulated under Section 18 of the Act.
Investigators also established that foreign nationals, particularly Chinese, were engaged in illegal mining activities, which is commonly referred to as galamsey, on the affected concessions, in breach of provisions under the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
The report indicated that mining operations carried out on the sites were substandard, often taking place outside designated mining areas and far from approved infrastructure.
The report noted that these activities resulted in significant environmental degradation, including land destruction and damage to ecosystems, with potential risks to water bodies, public health, and local livelihoods.
The statement said in view of the severity and deliberate nature of the breaches, the minister, acting on the advice of the Minerals Commission and in accordance with Section 100(2) of Act 703, determined that the revocation of the mineral rights was necessary in the public interest.
“The decision is particularly warranted in cases where mineral rights are being used to facilitate illegal mining activities or where statutory requirements have been fundamentally violated,” the statement noted.
The ministry emphasised that the revocation is without prejudice to any criminal proceedings that may be initiated against the company, its directors, and management under Act 995.
The ministry assured that steps would be taken to protect the lawful jobs and livelihoods of workers impacted by the decision. Appropriate measures, it said, would be announced in due course.
A Daily Guide Report