By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Digaare (U/E), May 18, GNA – Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has charged the Cardinal Namdini Limited (CNML) to prioritise local content as the company moves into full gold production.
The CNML is a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Limited, a Chinese mining firm, which is currently undertaking open cast (surface) gold mining activities in the Talensi District.
Speaking during a tour at the company’s mine, the Minister commended the company for employing local people during the construction phase of the mine and urged them to increase their allocation for local content as it moved into full operations.
“We encourage the CNML to increase the intake of local content so that they will provide jobs for the locals who have been migrating to southern Ghana to look for greener pastures,” he said.
The Minister noted that the region was endowed with lots of natural resources, particularly gold deposits across several districts and it was imperative to benefit from the resources to propel the region’s growth and development.
Mr Akamugri urged residents of the area to eschew illegal mining and cooperate with the mining company to ensure smooth operation and mutual benefit.
“We need to cooperate with them to benefit because even those who do not have the skill, the company has a training program to equip them with the necessary skill for employment,” he said.
The Regional Minister lauded the infrastructure development initiative of the company towards full mining operations, adding that it was a learning curve for other large scale mining companies who would want to operate in the area.
Mr Solomon Andoh, Project Control, CNML, noted the CNML was committed to highest standards and environmentally friendly mining activities that protected lives and created opportunities for local people.
Mr Maxwell Wooma, Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent, CNML, commended the government for the constant support and interest in the company’s operations.
He said although the company was transitioning into production, it employed numerous Ghanaians from the region and beyond during the construction phase.
He said there were many communities impacted by the company’s operations and his outfit would continue to provide the needed support and prioritise residents’ welfare in their operations.
The CNML mine in the Talensi District is Ghana’s largest single gold stream mine and has an initial lifespan of 15 years.
The area is a green field, and it is the first of its kind in Ghana since 2013 when Newmont Akyem poured its first gold.
The Mine which was commissioned in 2024 is a partnership between the governments of Ghana and China and is expected to generate about 150 million tonnes of ore, resulting in five million ounces of gold within the period.
Shandong Gold is one of the top 10 leading producers of gold globally, employing high level and ecologically friendly technologies in mining.
Its mine in Ghana in the Talensi District is the first in Africa.
GNA
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