The Ghana Chamber of Mines has opened engagements with Adamus Resources Limited and relevant regulatory authorities following the Government’s decision to uphold the revocation of three mining leases held by the company.
The leases covering the Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining concessions were upheld for revocation following a report by a Ministerial Review Committee that considered Adamus Resources’ petition.
Rather than immediately taking a position on the substantive issues surrounding the revocation, the Chamber said it was seeking a clearer understanding of the circumstances, findings and processes that informed the decision.
In a press statement, the Chamber acknowledged the mandate of the Government and regulatory institutions to enforce Ghana’s mining laws and promote responsible, safe and environmentally sustainable mining.
However, it emphasised that rule of law, due process, fairness and regulatory certainty remained critical to sustaining confidence in Ghana’s mining industry.
“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,” it said.
The Chamber’s intervention is also focused on the potential implications of the lease revocation for workers, contractors, host communities and legitimate investments associated with the affected mining operations.
It said it was particularly mindful of the need to safeguard livelihoods and legitimate investments while ensuring that mining companies fully complied with Ghana’s laws and regulatory requirements.
The industry association has consequently urged all parties to operate within the established legal and regulatory framework and pursue any outstanding matters through the appropriate legal and institutional channels.
It said it would refrain from commenting further on the substantive issues until the ongoing engagements and processes had progressed.
The Chamber maintained that its position was aimed at promoting a mining sector that is responsible, transparent, predictable and competitive, while protecting the national interest, safeguarding jobs and legitimate investments, and sustaining investor confidence.
The development comes at a time when regulatory certainty has become an increasingly important consideration for mining investors, particularly as Ghana seeks to attract investment into the country’s mineral resources while strengthening enforcement of mining laws.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines represents companies involved in mineral exploration, production and processing and serves as the collective voice of Ghana’s mining industry.
By: Christian Kpesese/NR NEWS
