Four Chinese nationals arrested for alleged involvement in illegal mining have been remanded for two weeks by the Bekwai Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region.

They include 44-year-old Li Quan, and Lu Jianzhong, 36 year old, both miners. Others are 47-year-old Li Xueyu, a mechanic and their cook, Su Shanxiang, who is 63 years old.

According to police prosecutor, ASP Lloyd Baidoo, a fifth suspect whose name is given as Lee is at large.

The suspects were charged by the prosecution on three counts of conspiracy to mine without lawful authority and mining without authority.

They were also charged with possession of firearms and ammunition without lawful authority.

According to the prosecution, the suspects were arrested in an operation on the 27th July, 2025, at Old Atatam in the Adansi Asokwa District of Ashanti Region for alleged engagement in illegal mining along the Subin and Jimi Rivers.

The operation was led by the CEO of Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei with her team and personnel from the Ashanti South Regional Police Command.

According to the police, the suspects were actively mining at the time of their arrest.

Prosecution told the court that four semi-automatic pump-action guns and twenty BB live cartridges were retrieved from them.

The police further indicated that eleven excavator machines were seen at the mining site. Parts of four of them had been removed to immobilize the equipment.

The seven excavators were transported to the regional police headquarters and impounded.

In their investigation cautioned statements, the accused persons admitted the offense and mentioned the suspect who is at large as the one who employed them to the site.

Prosecution says “efforts are underway to get him arrested. Investigations are still ongoing.”