Artisan Small-Scale Miners and Youth Community Miners Associations in Obuasi have jointly petitioned the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Simon Osei Mensah, to prevail on the management of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine for the release of some identified abandoned sites to them for Community Mining purposes.
The concerns of the two bodies were made known at a press briefing at Obuasi.
Speaking on behalf of the two bodies, Mr. Kofi Adams, Chairman of the Artisan Small-Scale Miners Association noted that three areas; namely Kaaso, Cut 3 (also known as Pillar) and White House have been identified as gold bearing spots within the mining enclave but abandoned and wish these three areas are released to them to mine to sustain the livelihoods of thousands of the youth of Obuasi.
He stated that the company once allowed the youth to work at these three abandoned sites during which time everything went on smoothly for them.
“During the time of working at the sites, it yielded a lot of positive impact on the economy of Obuasi and Ghana as a whole,” he said.
Mr. Adams said at one point all their hopes were dashed when the company stopped them from operating and the whole place fenced with wire mesh.
He pointed out that the people of Obuasi are environmentally friendly rock miners and that their operations do not disturb any river or forest, adding that it is due to the closure of the abandoned pits by the company that has led some of the youth to do alluvial mining, which is causing great harm to our water bodies and forests.
“It is for these reasons that we, as lawful indigenes, desirous of engaging in a lawful enterprise petition your high office to intervene on our behalf and find an amicable solution to our plight for the benefit of all parties,” Mr. Adams pleaded.
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi
