Government has revoked the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited covering the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful concessions, following findings of illegal mining activities and multiple regulatory breaches.
The directive, issued in a statement by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Sunday, April 26, is based on investigation reports from the Minerals Commission, which established that the company had engaged in unauthorised mining operations in violation of Ghana’s minerals and mining laws.
According to the report, Adamus Resources Limited sub-contracted mining activities on its concessions without obtaining the required ministerial approval, in breach of Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
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The investigations further revealed that the company operated without approved mining plans and valid operating permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines, contrary to Regulation 8(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).
In addition, the report indicated the involvement of foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, in mining activities described as illegal, in breach of provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
The investigations further showed that mining operations were conducted outside approved concession areas and away from designated infrastructure, resulting in significant environmental degradation, including land disturbance and threats to water bodies, ecosystems, and nearby communities.
Citing the severity of the violations, the Minister acted on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission under Section 100(2) of Act 703, stating that the revocation was necessary in the public interest due to the use of the concessions to facilitate illegal mining activities and persistent breaches of regulatory requirements.
The Ministry stressed that the revocation of the mining leases does not preclude possible criminal prosecution against Adamus Resources Limited, its directors, and management under the relevant provisions of the law.
“In view of the gravity and deliberate nature of these breaches, the Minister, upon the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission given pursuant to section 100(2) of Act 703, has determined that immediate revocation of the mineral rights is warranted in the public interest, especially in cases where mineral rights are being used to facilitate illegal mining activities (“galamsey”) or where statutory requirements have been fundamentally violated” the statement said
It also assured that measures will be taken to protect the livelihoods of workers affected by the decision, with further details expected to be communicated in due course.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reaffirmed the government’s commitment to clamp down on illegal mining, insisting it will continue to take firm action to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and enforce compliance within the mining sector.
