Mensin Gold increases security to fight galamsey
One of Ghana’s emerging force in the mining industry, Minsen Gold Bibiani Limited in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District in the Western Region, has increased its security on its 49 sq Km concession following invasion by a co-ordinated group which has been terrorising various concessions in the Ashanti and Western regions.
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The group of illegal miners popularly called Galamsey are reportedly behind the invasion of Anglo Gold Ashanti, Konongo, Perseus and Owareman concessions in recent times.
The Group
The group spearheaded by some indigenes especially those from Old Town and the Zongo of Bibiani were flashed out by a team of police and military presence on the Elizabeth Hill Minsen concessions on November 14, this year as the company increased security to ward off further invasion.
But the group would not budge as they were alleged to have said that they could not be sitting on gold and be hungry.
Indeed, they were reported to have said that their actions were triggered by high level unemployment and hunger in the town.
Briefing
The General Manager of Mensin Gold, Benette Kunkyebe, told the media after a meeting between the company and the youth of Bibiani mediated by the Omanhene of Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Nana Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyabi II, that the company decided to have the matter resolved traditionally rather than resorting to the police to ensure a peaceful existence between the two parties.
Mediation
The leader of the group, one Osei Kwame of Bibiani Old town broke down in tears after an initial meeting with the Bibiani District Police Commander, DSP Mr Nana Kumi when he told them that they were hungry and unemployed and needed to be assisted.
Interventions
Sequel to that, the company has screened and employed about 80 per cent of its new internal security while potential drillers were being interviewed for possible employment.
Other job opportunities are currently being created for qualified indigenes to help reduce the employment rate in the Bibiani township.
Aside that, the parent body of Mensin Gold, Resolute Gold from Australia, has engaged a consultant to start the Resolute Foundation to assist the community in health, education, water and sanitation among others.
Mensin, which is currently under care and maintenance and hoping to begin production, barring any hitches in nine months said it had spent at least $165 million in putting the place in shape and salaries in readiness for its underground drilling.
History
The concession which was given to AngloGold in 1997 under a 30 year lease was also taken over by Noble Gold Bibiani Limited until Mensin Gold under its parent body Resolute took over to begin feasibility study in 2014.
Per the study, the company has the potential of producing ore for between five and six years but it is probing further to increase it to 10 years.
Production
The company is waiting for the green light from the various governing bodies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin production.
The former Chairman of the Bibiani Youth Association and president of Ecojustice Ghana, an environmental advocacy group, Mr Emmanuel Aidoo, has condemned the actions of the youth describing it as an affront to the development of the town.
Subsequently, it has proposed among other things that the government through DISEC and the Mineral Commission should liaise with the mining companies in resolving the issue once and for all by providing adequate security in and around the mining concessions while dealing with those who trespass in accordance with the law.