By Emelia B. Addae, GNA
New Abirem (E/R), Oct. 21, GNA – Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, has commended Zijin Golden Ridge Limited for its efforts to promote environmentally responsible mining through green technology, afforestation and improved waste management.
She described the company’s Akyem mine as a model for balancing profitability with environmental protection, saying mining activities should not generate profits at the expense of the environment.
The Minister made the remarks during a visit to the mine at New Abirem in the Eastern Region, accompanied by Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and other officials.
The delegation inspected the mine’s operations, including its Tailings Storage Facility, a 60-hectare on-site reforestation project and a water treatment plant.
The company also briefed the delegation on its transition towards greener mining technology, including plans to build Ghana’s largest fleet of electric and hybrid haul trucks.
The fleet currently comprises 30 electric haul trucks, each with a capacity of 91 tonnes, and 16 hybrid trucks, each with a capacity of 140 tonnes.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said she was encouraged by the company’s local content initiatives, investment in green technology and afforestation efforts.
She also stressed the need for responsible management of batteries and other components at the end of their useful lives, as the adoption of electric vehicles increased.
The Minister welcomed the company’s discussions towards establishing a battery recycling facility, noting that proper disposal and recycling systems were essential to managing the environmental impact of the growing use of electric vehicles.
She described the mine’s operations as an impressive standard for responsible mining and urged the industry to pursue business growth without compromising environmental sustainability.
Mr Leon Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, thanked the Minister and the EPA delegation for the visit.
He said the company was committed to managing mining-related changes responsibly, restoring disturbed areas and adopting improved technologies to reduce its environmental footprint.
Mr Zhang said the company accepted the Minister’s expectations regarding high standards of environmental safety and governance.
GNA
Edited by D. I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Emelia B. Addae
[email protected]