Illegal miners attempt to access Gold Fields concession under ‘Cooperative Mining’ guise

Gold Fields Ghana Limited has raised concerns over attempts by groups operating under the guise of Cooperative Mining to gain access to portions of its mining concession, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has disclosed.

According to the Minister, the issue was raised during a familiarisation visit to Gold Fields Ghana Limited as part of his engagements with key industries in the Western Region.

He said the company identified illegal mining, including attempts by groups to access parts of its concession, as a key concern during the engagement.

Mr Nelson said Cooperative Mining is subject to regulatory procedures, authorisation requirements and established rules of engagement and cannot be undertaken through the unilateral appropriation of mining concessions.

He stressed that any proposal affecting a mining company’s concession must go through the appropriate institutional and regulatory channels, with relevant stakeholders duly informed.

The Minister also called for stronger coordination among Gold Fields, regulatory agencies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, and the Western Regional Coordinating Council to address challenges affecting mining operations and community development.

He said the regional administration needed to be more closely connected to the operations and development contributions of major industries in the region.

Mr Nelson said the focus should be on closing coordination gaps and creating a stable and predictable operating environment while maintaining environmental protection, regulatory compliance and community interests.

He also commended Gold Fields for its environmental stewardship, land reclamation, re-vegetation and corporate social investment initiatives, describing responsible mining as important to securing long-term development benefits for host communities and the national economy.

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