The Ghana Chamber of Mines is engaging Adamus Resources Limited and government regulators to better understand the decision to uphold the revocation of three of the company’s mining leases.
The leases – Akango, Salman and Nkroful – were revoked, with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources subsequently upholding the decision following consideration of a petition by Adamus and a report from a Ministerial Review Committee.
While the Chamber acknowledged the government’s authority to enforce mining laws, it said such enforcement must be guided by due process, fairness and regulatory certainty.
“The Chamber recognises the mandate of Government and the relevant regulatory institutions to enforce Ghana’s mining laws and to ensure responsible, safe and environmentally sustainable mining,” it said.
The Chamber added that confidence in the mining industry depends on consistent application of the law.
“Equally, the Chamber believes that adherence to the rule of law, due process, fairness, regulatory certainty and the consistent application of the law is fundamental to maintaining confidence in Ghana’s mining industry.”
It said its ongoing engagements with Adamus and the relevant authorities are intended to establish the circumstances and processes behind the decision.
“Given the significance of the matter, the Chamber is engaging Adamus Resources Limited and the relevant regulatory authorities to obtain a full understanding of the circumstances, findings and processes underlying the decision.”
The industry body also raised concerns about the potential effect of the matter on workers, contractors, host communities and legitimate investments.
“The Chamber is particularly mindful of the need to safeguard workers and their livelihoods, contractors, host communities and legitimate investments in Ghana, while ensuring that the country’s laws and regulatory requirements are fully respected.”
The Chamber has consequently urged the parties involved to pursue any outstanding issues through established legal and institutional channels.
It said it would await the outcome of the engagements before making further comments on the substantive issues surrounding the revocation.
The matter centres on the revocation of Adamus Resources Limited’s Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining leases.
The company subsequently petitioned the decision, leading to a review by a Ministerial Review Committee, after which the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources upheld the revocation.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
