The Managing Director of Heath Goldfields Ltd, Patrick Appiah Mensah , has declared that the historic Bogoso-Prestea Mine is “no longer a story of decline,” following the mine’s first gold pour after 24 months of complete stoppage.
Addressing members of the media on February 19, 2026, he described the milestone as a powerful symbol of resilience and responsible Ghanaian leadership.
“The Bogoso-Prestea Mine is no longer a story of decline. It is now a case study in responsible mine restart under Ghanaian leadership,” he stated. “From shutdown and uncertainty to molten gold once again flowing from our plant, this achievement marks the rebirth of one of Ghana’s most iconic mining assets.”
According to the MD ,when Heath Goldfields assumed stewardship of the mine a year ago, it inherited significant operational and financial challenges. The Prestea Underground Mine was flooded, the Tailings Storage Facility posed safety risks, the Process Plant was non-operational, and the water treatment plant was not functioning. Salaries and contractor payments were in arrears, while utility debts to service providers ran into millions of dollars.
“Reviving such an asset is not an event. It is a structured process that requires courage, substantial capital, regulatory support and a deep commitment to stakeholders,” the Managing Director explained.
He outlined measurable progress made over the past year, noting that more than 1,400 people are now directly and indirectly employed, with approximately 80 percent drawn from local catchment communities. Over 70 service providers are actively engaged, creating multiplier effects across the local economy.
Underground dewatering works have reduced water levels by more than 240 feet since the installation of high-capacity pumps, with about 10 million litres of water being removed daily. “This is not incremental progress; it is transformational,” he said.
The Tailings Storage Facility has been stabilised and restored to safe operational condition, with additional works ongoing to expand storage capacity while maintaining environmental and safety standards. The Process Plant has undergone structured refurbishment, critical equipment has been replaced, mine roads and housing infrastructure rehabilitated, and the water treatment plant restored to operational readiness.
In addressing inherited liabilities, the company engaged the Ghana Mine Workers Union under a structured settlement framework and has paid more than GHS 139 million toward employee legacy obligations, a move the Managing Director described as both a financial and moral responsibility.
The company has also secured environmental permits from the Environmental Protection Authority and operating permits from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, reflecting regulatory confidence in its compliance and safety standards.
Looking ahead, he disclosed that a feasibility study on the Prestea Underground Mine is being finalised to deploy modern, technology-driven mining methods to enhance safety, productivity and cost efficiency. Work has also commenced toward rehabilitating and reconstructing the sulphide treatment plant to unlock the full value of the sulphide resource base.
Beyond operations, the Managing Director said the company is preparing to roll out Strategic Community Development Initiatives focused on infrastructure, education, healthcare and enterprise development in host communities.
“If you take care of the communities around the mine, the communities will take care of you,” he remarked, adding that the company’s licence to operate is earned daily through responsible conduct and commitment to the wellbeing of its host communities.
Heath Goldfields says it remains committed to delivering sustainable employment, empowering communities and contributing meaningfully to national development as the Bogoso-Prestea Mine enters what it describes as a new chapter of structured revival and growth.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
