Mining company Newmont has rejected claims linking it to recent pollution reports concerning the Tano River in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, where its Ahafo North mine is located.
In a press statement, the company said some of the reports had “wrongly and unfortunately” blamed its mining operations for the alleged contamination of the river.
In response to the allegations, Newmont said it has been working closely with relevant stakeholders to support field inspections and investigations into its activities and environmental management systems. According to the company, the investigations conducted so far have involved interviews, on-site assessments, and reviews of operational documents.
One of the investigations, the company noted, was carried out jointly by the Water Resources Commission (WRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Another assessment involved youth leaders and Assemblymen from communities hosting the mine.
“The youth leaders and Assemblymen… have publicly published their observations, essentially noting that they found no evidence of Newmont’s operations impacting the Tano River,” the release said.
Newmont emphasised that its operations comply with the highest standards in environmental protection and water management, and in many cases go beyond what is legally required.
The company reiterated its commitment to responsible mining and said it will continue to cooperate fully with institutions investigating the reported pollution of the Tano River.
“Newmont wishes to state, without equivocation, that its operational activities do not pollute the Tano River,” the release said.
Newmont added that it remains committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable development in the Tano North Municipality.
