By Emelia B. Addae
New Abirem (E/R), April 29, GNA – The Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology has commended Zijin Golden Ridge Limited’s Akyem Mine for strong environmental stewardship, effective land reclamation and a high level of local employment following an oversight visit.
The Committee Chairman, Mr Yaw Frimpong Addo, said the mine’s operations demonstrated clear compliance with environmental protocols, based on briefings and inspections conducted during the visit.
“It is obvious, looking at the environment, that this is a company that is environmentally sensitive,” he said.
He added: “From the briefings and our tour of the site, including the mining and dumping areas, it is evident that the company has almost fully complied with the protocols of environmental readiness for business. The Committee is impressed with what we have seen.”
He highlighted the mine’s reclamation performance, noting that it had exceeded its forest restoration commitment of 303 hectares.
He also welcomed the extension of reclamation and biodiversity initiatives beyond the mine’s lease area into the Atewa landscape, describing the approach as laudable and worthy of further consideration.
Committee members were briefed on the Zijin Atewa Biodiversity Offset Project, Ghana’s first large‑scale mining biodiversity offset.
The 10‑year conservation programme is being implemented in partnership with the Forestry Commission of Ghana and focuses on restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity beyond the mine’s operational footprint.
The Committee’s Ranking Member, Prof. Hamza Adam, praised the company’s investment in renewable energy and green technologies.
“One thing that has impressed us is the company’s commitment towards making the environment green,” he said.
“We have observed the installation of solar panels and the procurement of electric vehicles, which we believe is a step in the right direction,” he added.
Prof. Adam also commended Akyem Mine’s local content performance, noting that the majority of its workforce was Ghanaian.
“In terms of local content, we are impressed because we noticed that most of the workers here are locals,” he said.
The Committee encouraged the company to sustain and deepen its environmental management practices as operations expand, stressing the need to maintain high standards throughout the life of the mine.
The management of Akyem Mine reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining and sustainable development, stating that environmental protection, local value creation and operational excellence remained central to its long‑term strategy.
Zijin Golden Ridge Limited began operations in Ghana in April 2025 and has invested more than GHS 7 billion into the economy within its first year of operation.
GNA
Edited by D. I. Laary/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Emelia B. Addae
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