The Minerals Commission has said Akonta Mining Limited does not have a mining lease, mineral right, or permit to conduct mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve or any other reserve.
The commission in a press release dated 3rd October 2022 stated that the Tano Nimiri Reserve does not apply to the mining leases issued to Akonta Mining Limited, hence any documents that claim otherwise should be viewed with the utmost disregard.
It stated that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources had the authority to grant or deny the mining lease.
As a result, the Commission assured the public that it would enforce the Minister’s directive, prohibiting Akonta Mining Limited from mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region.
“Following the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Press Release on 30th September 2022, on the alleged operations of Akonta Mining Limited in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, the attention of the Minerals Commission has been drawn to a Mining Lease in circulation, purporting to be a lease granted to the company to undertake mining operations in the said Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve,” it said.
“While Akonta Mining Ltd has a mining lease to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the Forest Reserve, the company has no mineral right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.”
According to the Commission, the company has two mining leases in the Samreboi area, which were granted following a Reconnaissance License granted on June 15, 2011, and a Prospecting License granted on December 31, 2012.
These mining leases covered an area in Samreboi and an area in Abokoase.
According to the release, none of the mentioned mining leases fell within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve or any other forest reserve.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
