The Prestea-Bogoso Mine
The Minerals Commission has indicated that it has not received any official application from the current operators to suspend the operations of the mine.
A press release issued by the Corporate Affairs Department of the Commission noted that the Mine was previously operated by Golden Star Resources Limited until the asset was transferred to Future Global Resources (FGR).
“So the Prestea-Bogoso Mine is currently under the control of FGR and its principal shareholder, Blue International Holdings Limited, which is based in the United Kingdom,” the release added.
According to the Commission, it has come to its attention that FGR, the current operators of the Prestea-Bogoso Mine, made a verbal presentation to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to put the Mine under Care and Maintenance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Ministry nor the Commission has received a formal application or request from FGR to put the Mine under Care and Maintenance,” it said.
“An application to suspend production is clearly set out in section 51 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) which requires the holder of the mining Lease to serve a notice to that effect on the Minister,” it said.
“As indicated earlier, no such request or application has been submitted to the minister,” the release pointed out.
It added that in the event that such an application is received, it shall be considered in accordance with applicable regulations.
It noted that the Commission was aware of the stoppage of mining operations in December 2023 due to some operational challenges.
“It is important to note that the Commission issued a notice to FGR in August 2023, to show cause why the Mining Lease should not be terminated due to identified breaches of the mining Lease,” it added.
It said the notice expired in December 2023 and that the Commission shall shortly advise the Minister on the next steps following the expiration of the notice period.
The Commission assured the public of its unflinching commitment to ensure the effective and efficient management of Prestea Bogoso Mine in the Western Region.
According to the Commission, its intervention is to help protect jobs, the local Prestea economy, community development as well as revenue generation for the benefit of Ghanaians.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi