Minerals Commission Issues Rejoinder On Alleged Operations Of Akonta Mining Limited In The Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve

Following the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Press Release on 30^th September, 2022, on the alleged operations of Akonta Mining Limited in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, the attention of the Minerals Commission has been drawn to a Mining Lease in circulation, purporting to be a lease granted to the company to undertake mining operations in the said Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. 

It will be recalled that the Ministry’s Press Statement of 30^th September, 2022, stated that ”while Akonta Mining Ltd has a mining lease to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the Forest Reserve, the company has no mineral right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.” 

For the avoidance of doubt, Akonta Mining Limited has two mining leases in the Samreboi area, granted following a Reconnaissance Licence granted on 15^th June, 2011 and a Prospecting Licence granted on 31^st December, 2012. These are:

1. Mining lease over an area in Samreboi, dated 23^rd July 2021, (the Lease in circulation); and 

2. Mining lease over an area in Abokoase dated 23^rd July, 2021. 

None of the above Leases, fall within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, or any Forest Reserve for that matter. The letters from the Forestry Commission and the Minerals Commission, dated 8^th August, 2022 and 7^th September, 2022, which are being circulated alongside the Lease granted in 2021, have no bearing on the above set-out leases. 

As indicated in the Ministry’s Press Statement, dated 30^th September, 2022, Akonta Mining Ltd has a pending application dated 25^th August, 2022, for a Mining Lease over an area within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That application has not been determined by the Minister, who is mandated by law, to grant or refuse such applications. 

And for the avoidance of any doubt, Akonta Mining Limited has NO mining lease, mineral right, and/or permit to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, and steps are currently being undertaken to enforce the Minister’s Directive issued on 30^th September, 2022. 

Source :CORPORATE AFFAIRS Department, MINERALS COMMISSION