Mining Company Clean-Jobs Resources Limited has strongly denied accusations of engaging in illegal mining activities at the Offin-Shelter Belt forest reserve. The company has come under backlash after media reports circulated of its alleged involvement in illegal mining in the forest reserve.
But in a press statement, the company it was granted a forest entry permit by the Forestry Commission to undertake an offset reforestation project, insisting, its mission, is solely focused on reforestation and the rehabilitation of degraded portions of the forest reserve, in line with sustainable environmental practices and legal regulations.
“We are here to create a lasting positive impact on the environment. Our focus is on reforestation, not mining. We remain committed to working within the law and upholding our environmental responsibilities,” the statement emphasized.
Clean-Jobs which got approval in November last year asserts that upon initiating its project, it discovered ongoing illegal mining operations conducted by individuals claiming to represent BAM Mining and Construction Limited.
It add, investigations revealed no record of a mining lease being granted to BAM Mining, raising concerns about the group’s legitimacy, and prompting the company to report the illegal activities to the District Forestry Service Division and the Divisional Police Command.
Clean Jobs which has also expressed worry over the delays in significant intervention adds it subsequently was required to wait for the Forestry Commission to organize a community and stakeholder engagement before formally beginning its reforestation work, further delaying the reforestation project.
The situation the statement says took another turn when, following elections, some illegal miners vacated the area temporarily with new groups from nearby communities reportedly taking over the operations.
In response to a recent news story alleging that it was Clean-Jobs Resources Limited is involved in illegal mining, the company categorically denied the claims.
“We are deeply concerned about these baseless accusations, which seem to be part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish our reputation,” the statement said.
The company highlighted that it had already reported the illegal mining activities weeks prior and has no connection to the unlawful operations while pleading with the Forestry Commission to expedite the overdue community engagements, which are critical to initiating their rehabilitation efforts.
Meanwhile, officials of the forestry commission and clean jobs are expected to meet opinion leaders on January 28th to ensure the reforestation project is successful.
