A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, responsible for mining has expressed the ministry’s readiness to support mining companies get world class engineers and other experts who will offer quintessential knowledge and technical guidance to enable them become more profitable.
“It is essential that mining companies engage world class experts to guarantee the success of their operations. And my ministry, through the Minerals Commission stands ready to help.”
George Mireku Duker made the offer after a working tour of the Golden Team Mining Company.
His tour revealed a number of shortfalls affecting the operational capabilities of the mining company.
These included power supply issues, lack of Ghanaian representation in the management team, an absence of security and safety plan and ore recovery pitfalls.
“Obviously you cannot succeed if these issues are not rigorously tackled. The recruitment of personnel with the right technical expertise would have flagged these critical components of a sound operational requirements.
“So as a matter of urgency, you have to recruit someone with top notch security experience who will create an effective and enforceable plan to protect you and your resources.
“This country has available enough technical expertise to help address the issue of ore recovery. I will advise that you share or exchange information with other mining companies and industry players on how such issues can be addressed.”
George Mireku Duker was, however, impressed with measures adopted by the company to safeguard the environment.
“I have also found that over 300 Ghanaians are in your book. It also gladdens my heart that there exists a harmonious relationship between you and communities around.”
Managing Director of Golden Team Mining Company Michael Lee informed the minister of some major corporate social responsibility initiatives his outfit has undertaken over the course of time and pledged to do more.
He also brought to the attention of the deputy minister a number of other challenges the company is facing and appealed for his support to help address them.
By Eric Yaw Adjei