The Minerals Commission has clarified that it has not received any formal application from the operators of the Prestea-Bogoso Mine, currently managed by Future Global Resources (FGR) Bogoso Prestea Limited and Blue International Holdings Limited.
The mine, facing operational challenges, has yet to submit a formal request for care and maintenance.
Despite FGR making a verbal presentation to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources proposing care and maintenance, the Minerals Commission emphasizes that no formal application has been officially submitted.
According to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), any request to suspend production must follow a procedure outlined in section 51, including serving a notice to the Minister, which FGR has not done.
“For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Ministry nor Commission has received a formal application or request from FGR to put the Mine under Care and Maintenance,” the statement read in part.
Complicating matters, the Commission had issued a notice to FGR in August 2023, identifying breaches and prompting corrective actions. With the notice expiring in December 2023, the Commission is poised to advise the minister on subsequent steps.
Despite challenges, the Commission reaffirms its commitment to effective management of mineral resources, focusing on safeguarding investments in the Prestea-Bogoso Mine to preserve jobs, stimulate the local economy, foster community development, and generate revenue for Ghana.
These developments follow demonstrations by employees and host communities expressing concerns about FGR’s management of the mine.
The host communities’ chiefs and people have petitioned the Sector Ministry, citing a decline in the mine’s performance over the past three years and seeking clarification on FGR’s planned financial investment and corporate social responsibility.
The chiefs appeal for the ministry to explore new investors or take over operations for the benefit of the country and communities.