By Felix Coffie
The Minerals Commission says neither the Ministry nor the Commission has received a formal application or request from Future Global Resource (FGR), to put the mine under care and maintenance.
A statement from the commission said an application to suspend production is clearly set out in Section 51 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which requires the holder of the Mining Lease to serve a notice to that effect on the Minister.
The statement said no such request or application has been submitted to the Minister.
In the event that such an application is received, it shall be considered in accordance with applicable regulations, the current state of the mine, and a decision taken in the best interest of the Country.
The statement said the Commission is aware of the stoppage of mining operations in December 2023 due to some operational challenges. The statement said it is important to note that the Commission issued a Notice to FGR in August 2023 to show cause why the Mining Lease should not be terminated due to identified breaches of the Mining Lease.
The notice expired in December 2023, and the Commission shall shortly advise the Minister on the next steps following the expiration of the Notice period.
The Commission wishes to assure the public of its unflinching commitment to ensure the effective and efficient management of the mineral resources of the country, the protection of mining investment in general and the Prestea Bogoso Mine in particular to protect jobs, the local Prestea economy, community development as well as revenue generation for the benefit of the good people of Ghana.
Full statement here:
