Hot Source….Cites safety and regulatory breaches
The Chief Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission has directed Heath Goldfields to cease operations at the Bogoso-Prestea mines, pursuant to Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I 2182).
This was contained in an order issued on June 24, 2025, following a robust and thorough review of the company’s operational protocols, regulatory compliance, and general administrative procedures, among other factors.
In a statement issued by the Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, dated Saturday, 5 July 2025, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the Ministry explained that the company has been granted forty-five (45) days from the date of the directive to rectify all breaches and carry out essential services as outlined by the Chief Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission.
According to the Ministry, Heath Goldfields had failed to comply with necessary arrangements, leading to an order to halt mining activities.
“This cautionary notice follows the company’s unsatisfactory operations, as determined by a robust and thorough review of its operational protocols, regulatory compliance, and general administrative procedures, among other factors”, the statement emphasised.
The Minerals Commission endorsed an earlier proposal from Heath Goldfields on November 13, 2024, granting the company clearance to acquire the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases after a satisfactory technical and financial review.
The bid was accompanied by a revised Strategic Mine Development Plan, outlining a Four-Phase Implementation Timeline to revitalise and invest in the mine from Q1 2025 (Site Preparation and Infrastructure Development) to Q4 2039 (Reclamation and Mine Closure).
However, as of May 16, 2025, the Minerals Commission reported that there was no activity at the site, with the land and plant in a worse state than during the last inspection.
The company also defaulted on its contractual obligations under Section 1.18 of its revised Strategic Mine Development Plan.
Again, the Tailings Storage Facility was found in poor condition, with no contractors on site, and the Process Water Treatment Plant was non-operational, with a predominance of illegal mining activities in some designated areas of the company’s concession.
Heath Goldfields also transported gold-bearing concentrates without prior written approval from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Minerals Commission, violating Clause 7 of the mining leases.
In addition to these blatant violations, a group of concerned workers also petitioned the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), regarding various grievances. In response, Buah visited the mine site on May 23, 2025, to assess the situation firsthand.
Following post-inspection investigations, it has been confirmed that Heath Goldfields is facing severe operational and financial challenges, including unpaid staff salaries.
In light of these regulatory breaches, Buah has therefore directed the Minerals Commission to issue formal notices to the company in strict compliance with statutory requirements.
Meanwhile, pursuant to Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the Mining Lease Agreement, the company is granted a 120-day remediation period to rectify all violations.
Failure to comply will result in the termination of the mining license previously issued to Heath Goldfields.
This decisive action reflects the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing mining regulations and protecting national resources.
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