Mine Workers Excited Over Obuasi Mine Redevelopment

The Ghana Mine Workers Association (GMWA) has expressed excitement over the redevelopment of the Obuasi Gold Mine.

According to them, they are excited with the earmarked mine production for the first 10 years which will be focused on the upper ore bodies, expected to average 350,000oz to 450,000oz at an average head grade of 8.1g/t.

In statement signed by the General Secretary of the Association, Prince Ankrah yesterday, he said the union welcomes the redevelopment of the Obuasi mine into the full fresh operations.

AngloGold Ashanti is recalled to have stated at at a press briefing that they have signed an agreement with government to redevelop the Obuasi Gold Mine.

According to them, the Company would invest $500million in bringing Obuasi back to producing and profitable mine operation.

However, the Ghana Mine Workers Association is ecstatic about the redevelopment.

Touching on tax agreements, the association has called on government to ensure that mining companies commit to their obligations in development and tax agreements.

According to them, over the years, some mining companies have reneged on their obligations to these agreements hence the need for government to hold them accountable.

“Considering the experiences gathered from existing Development and Tax agreements entered into by Government of Ghana with some mining companies including Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFGL), it is quite evident that some have either failed or reneged on their obligations to these agreements,” the Union stated.

By: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum/ thePublisher