The Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology has commended mining giant Newmont for its strict compliance with environmental regulations in its Ahafo South mine situated at Kenyasi in the Asutifi North district.

The Ahafo South mine, which began commercial production in 2006, produces between 500,000 and nearly 800,000 ounces annually with a contribution of over US$2 billion in taxes and royalties to the Ghanaian government since its inception.

The committee, on Thursday, embarked on a day-long oversight visit to Newmont Ahafo South Mine at Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region to assess the depth of the company’s compliance with environmental standards.

Led by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Professor Adams Hamza, Member of Parliament for the Kumawu Constituency, the delegation inspected reclaimed mine lands, waste management systems, water protection structures, and ongoing environmental monitoring processes.

The visit forms part of Parliament’s constitutional oversight responsibility to ensure that Ghana’s natural resource exploitation aligns with environmental sustainability and intergenerational equity.

At the end of the inspection, the committee commended Newmont Ahafo South Mine for what it described as strict adherence to best environmental management practices, including the systematic reclamation of disturbed lands and sustainable mine management.

Before a single ounce of gold is extracted, companies must comply with the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which mandates the protection of the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources and the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490), requiring mining firms to obtain environmental permits.

Also, Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (LI 1652), which make Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), public consultations, and reclamation plans compulsory, the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which obliges mining firms to post reclamation bonds and restore mined-out lands

The Water Resources Commission Act, 1996 (Act 522), also regulates water abstraction and pollution control of mining firms and other industries.

Non-compliance can result in permit suspension, heavy fines, or total shutdown of operations. For multinational firms, failure to meet these standards can trigger legal action, investor withdrawal, and reputational collapse.

Samuel Bonney Noi, Process Manager and Acting General Manager, Ahafo South mine, welcomed the parliamentary visit, thanking the committee for what he described as a professional and thorough inspection.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining international best practices in environmental management and pledged continuous improvement in line with global standards.

Experts say strict adherence to environmental regulations delivers both ecological and economic benefits, including the reclamation of degraded lands and restoration of ecosystems, and the protection of rivers and groundwater from chemical pollution.

In addition, it reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved waste control, Improved community trust and reduced social conflict, and Stronger investor confidence and long-term business sustainability.