Zijin Golden Ridge Limited has called for calm and collaboration as the company progresses through its transition processes following the acquisition of the Akyem mine.
According to the mining company, the collaboration and support of the chiefs and people of the Birim North District will be pivotal to the success of the company as it pursues its purpose of mining for a better society.
Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. completed the acquisition of Newmont Corporation’s Akyem Gold Mine in April 2025, expanding the Chinese company’s gold production capacity and reinforcing its international growth strategy.
This is contained in a press statement signed by Mr. Philip Ashon, Communications and Media Relations Manager and dated July 7, 2025.
As the company continues to establish stronger ties with the mine-affected communities in the district, it has commenced several actions to address various challenges expressed by the youth in the communities.
In a landmark show of goodwill, the mining company has made adjustments to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) pre-employment health requirement following years of contention with the youth in the community.
Under the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2181), certain job roles may involve physical strain on the spine and vertebrae, necessitating a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan as part of the pre-employment medical examination.
These medical evaluations are conducted by certified third-party professionals to ensure impartiality and compliance.
The MRI scan is a safety and regulatory requirement for certain roles. Employment decisions for these roles are based on medical fitness as determined by qualified health professionals and in alignment with job requirements.
A pre-employment MRI scan is thus focused on enhancing workplace safety, ensuring job performance, and identifying any pre-existing medical conditions, particularly spinal conditions, that could affect a candidate’s ability to perform their job duties safely and effectively.
This screening helps prevent workplace injuries and ensures that candidates are medically fit for roles that may strain their spine or require specific physical capabilities.
Zijin Golden Ridge Limited has determined that MRI scans will not be required for the following field or technical roles, namely drivers and operators of light vehicles and electrical and instrument technicians
Others include gold room operators, sample preparation staff, service men (except those who operate service trucks), geological samplers, boilermakers and welders.
However, job roles classified under the following categories, operators of heavy vehicles (e.g., excavators, graders, haul trucks, dozer operators), mechanical technicians, drillers/drill helpers, blast men/blast helpers, plant operators, riggers, crane operators, off-siders and bit sharpeners will still require MRI scans
According to Philip Ashon, Communications and Media Relations Manager for Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, the company, is committed to supporting the local economy through fair employment practices and encourages continued dialogue and collaboration with community stakeholders.
“We are committed to inclusive development and urge all stakeholders to work with us in creating a thriving, cooperative environment that benefits all,” he said
