A section of the Concern Citizen of Talensi at the Press Conference
A group calling itself Concerned Citizens of Talensi wants Shaanxi Mining Ghana Ltd, a registered Chinese mining support company to vacate Talensi District of the Upper East Region.
According to them, Shaanxi Mining Ghana Ltd has not been helpful to the people of Talensi.
“Many strong and energetic young men keep losing their lives due to what we term wicked and illegal mining operations.”
They accused Shaanxi Mining Company of deceiving the public and law enforcement agencies since 2010 that it only provides mining support services to two small-scale mining Groups- Pubuotaba and Yenyeya.
“We do not trust the validity of their documentation and registration as a mining support service provider to these small scale mining groups. In June 2012, we requested a legal search on Shaanxi Mining’s operations in Talensi, but the Mineral Commission rather produced a Cadastral Map with explanation that Shaanxi Mining Ghana Ltd had not been registered to operate in Talensi in any capacity.
However, in 2013, the company claimed to have a Certificate of Registration dated 2010 at a meeting in the office of the Upper East Regional Minister.
“There is a clear indication that some officials of the Mineral Commission are collaborating with Shaanxi Mining Ghana Ltd to engage in illegal mining.
The Minerals and Mining (Support Services) Regulations 2012, LI 2174 seeks to preserve mining support services for only Ghanaian local companies, but Shaanxi Mining Ghana Ltd has been allowed to operate,” they said.
The Concerned Citizens of Talensi accused Shaanxi Mining Ghana Ltd of mining in unauthorized areas and also trespassing other concessions, which has resulted in conflicts with most small scale mining license holders in the Gbane mining area over the years.
They also accused Shaanxi Mining Ghana of blasting rocks unannounced and using bad methods.
“Out of 502 Ghanaian employees, about 450 are paid salaries below GHc250.00 per month for working for 8 hours per day. Due to poor safety measures, many die through accidents, while others are injured, uncompensated and made to pay their medical bills. The company has also not paid any SSNIT contribution for employees since 2012, irrespective of complaints made to SSNIT by employees.
They hinted that Shaanxi Mining Ghana Ltd does not pay taxes for mining in Talensi because of its claim to be offering mining support services.
They also denied land-owners, traditional authorities and the Talensi District Assembly of their royalties.
Meanwhile, the PRO of Shaanxi Mining Ghana Ltd, Maxwell Wooma, has denied all allegations, saying the company was ready to show its documents to the media.
“Our operations are legal and we abide by best practices in the industry,” he noted.
From: EBO BRUCE-QUANSAH, Sheiga