Gold Fields Ghana Commits $113M to Environmental Rehabilitation
Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFGL), which operates the Tarkwa mine, has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s vegetation, as the company has set aside a total of $113 million to cover rehabilitation activities, with $82.5 million specifically earmarked as closure liabilities as of December 2023.
ISO Standards and Energy Certification Ensuring Sustainability and Effective Resource Utilization.
As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company complies with the ISO 14001:2015 environmental standard, which provides guidelines for operating in an industry such as mining to help in minimizing environmental impact.
Moreover, GFGL has a comprehensive system in place to monitor blast impacts, dust, noise, water quality, as well as soil conditions and is also certified to the ISO 50001 energy management standard.
30,000 Trees Annually: A Commitment to Wildlife Conservation
Christian Debrah, the Senior Manager – Environment and Laboratory at GFGL, stressed that wildlife conservation is another priority for the company; hence, it actively regenerates the environment by planting around 30,000 trees annually on-site to restore biodiversity.
“Sustainability and environmental conservation have become core pillars of Gold Fields Ghana’s operations. We’ve planted over 800,000 trees since 1998.”
He made this known when the Ghana Chamber of Mines engaged with journalists from the Business Advocacy (JBA) at Tarkwa in the Western Region of Ghana.
Nursery Projects Supporting Rehabilitation and Biodiversity
Regarding rehabilitation and closure planning, the mine has approximately 24,386 trees being raised at the nursery. Additionally, 31,000 indigenous and commercial seedlings were procured in Q2 and are currently at the nurseries, bringing the total tree seedling ready for planting to over 50,000.
Financial Assurance for Closure Liabilities
Currently, the closure liability is covered by a bond component of USD 36.8 million and various cash deposits amounting to USD 77.0 million (restricted cash of USD 40.7 million and unrestricted cash of USD 36.3 million), he disclosed.
Empowering Women in Mining
The Senior Manager – People at GFGL, William Empeh, highlighted the company’s efforts to change the narrative in the historically male-dominated mining industry.
According to him, gender diversity is one of Gold Fields’ six Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities. “We are really trying to bring on board a lot of young women,” he stated.
Gold Fields’ graduate training program and national service initiative now aim for 50% female representation. Currently, 12% of their workforce consists of women, with 19% holding leadership positions. The long-term goal is to reach 30% female representation by 2030, a transformative target in a traditionally male space.
Calls for Government Action Against Illegal Mining
At the same event, Director of External Relations and Communication at the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Nantogmah echoed concerns about the growing impact of illegal mining on the country’s responsible mining sector. He urged the government to strengthen enforcement against galamsey activities, particularly those that threaten water bodies and mining concessions.
Mr. Nantogmah emphasized the need to distinguish between responsible mining companies, which adhere to strict ESG standards, and illegal miners who disregard environmental regulations.
Protection for Mining Concessions and Greater Transparency
Mr. Nantogmah also called for better protection for legitimate mining companies, which he said play a critical role in Ghana’s economy by contributing through taxes, royalties, and employment.
He warned that allowing illegal miners to encroach on mining concessions not only harms the environment but also robs the country of valuable resources.
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Mr. Nantogmah further advocated for greater transparency in how the government utilizes mineral royalties, arguing that the lack of visible community benefits often fuels negative perceptions of mining.
“When people say they don’t see the benefits of mining, it’s often because they are unaware of how the revenues are being used. We believe the government should provide more transparency in how these funds are spent,” he added.
The media tour aimed to provide media personnel with first-hand information, enabling them to analyze issues objectively and constructively. It also offered an opportunity for them to engage with company management.
Source : Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
