The management of Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo mine has reiterated its commitment to sustainable and responsible mining and said it will continue to carry out mitigation efforts in compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements as far as resettling and compensating local residents whose properties would be impacted negatively by the mine’s operations are concerned.

In a statement responding to “unsubstantiated” claims for compensation from property owners, including “owners of speculative structures near a proposed resettlement site in Kenyasi”, Newmont Ghana said the Ahafo Mine is in the process of acquiring land to resettle community members who would potentially be impacted by its Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) expansion project and is assessing a proposed site for the resettlement.

“Anticipating this land acquisition by Newmont, some community members have hastily constructed speculative structures within portions of the proposed site and are demanding compensation for their structures”, Newmont noted, adding: “The Ahafo mine’s operational projects have not impacted the proposed resettlement project site and, therefore, does not warrant the payment of compensation for structures within or near the site, including that of speculators”.

The company said it had earlier notified the property owners that they are not eligible for resettlement, as the project site is solely for the relocation of individuals projected to require relocation.

“In line with requirements under the law, as well as accepted best practices in resettlement, we will continue to offer fair and just compensation, as well as livelihood support to those who are genuinely eligible”, Newmont’s Ahafo Mine General Manager Bernard Wessels reiterated.

“The land adjoining Kenyasi No. 1 and No. 2 resettlement sites, is not meant for an operational project but for relocation of people. Newmont is not impacting on the properties and livelihoods of property owners including speculators. It therefore does not lie within our remit to compensate for these structures,” Mr Wessels added, noting: “We will continue to engage in good-faith dialogue with stakeholders to ensure a successful and peaceful execution of this resettlement project.”

Newmont Ghana is the country’s leading gold producer and operates two gold mines: the Ahafo Mine in the Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine in the Eastern region. The company is a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold business. Commercial production at Ahafo began in 2006 and at Akyem in 2013.

The company currently employs over 5,500 employees and contractors. Its Ahafo mine was named Mining Company of the Year in 2016 and Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility Organisation for 2018, while the Akyem mine was adjudged the Best Company in Ghana for 2015 and 2016.