Abosso Goldfields Ltd (AGL) Damang Mine recently hosted its biannual Open House Forum, gathering stakeholders to discuss the company’s ongoing rehabilitation planning for mine closure.

Held at the mine’s town site, the forum provided an in-depth look at the reclamation efforts undertaken by the mine and the future socio-economic prospects for the surrounding communities.

The Operations Manager, Sampson Arthur, welcomed participants, highlighting the significance of the forum, which has become an integral part of the company’s approach to sustainable mining.

“Our company’s policy on reclamation is concurrent rehabilitation. We rehabilitate disturbed areas alongside ongoing mining operations, ensuring the land is restored for socio-economic use both now and post-mining,” he stated.

As the first mine in Ghana to sign the Reclamation Security Agreement (RSA) with the government, Damang Mine has committed to a rigorous reclamation process.

Mr. Arthur disclosed that, as of December 2023, the mine’s reclamation liability stood at $24.99 million, with a security bond of $25 million already posted. This ensures that in the unlikely event of mine closure, funds are available to rehabilitate the land.

The forum also provided updates on current rehabilitation projects. Out of the 1,455 hectares of disturbed land, 523 hectares have already been reclaimed, representing a significant milestone in the mine’s ongoing efforts.

Sampson Arthur also explained that the mine's rehabilitation activities continue to cover the tailings storage facilities, waste rock dumps and all other disturbed areas.

Rubber plantation expansion, he said, continues to cover these areas as well as other sites disturbed by illegal miners.

“This year, we will pour our first produce from the more than 50hectares of rubber farm. We will continue to expand and develop new areas for the rubber plantation within the disturbed areas. I am very confident of the prospects and positive impacts of these activities in our local communities and use this opportunity to call for your continuous support and cooperation with Gold Fields on this” he said.

John Kwasi Adingelah, Environment Unit Manager of AGL gave an over view of the rehabilitation on mining lease, the disturbed and the active rehabilitation areas, the processes involved such as the earthwork preparation, revegetation as well as maintenance activities.

He mentioned, deliberately fell for firewood, illegal mining activities and cattle grazing on rehabilitated areas as some of the challenges faced at the rehabilitation areas.

“This uncontrolled practice disturbs ground cover and establishment of flourishing trees. This, has a likelihood of hampering the health of established woodlot”, he said.

Community members present at the forum praised the company’s initiatives, particularly the development of farming activities on reclaimed land. "I’m so impressed because nobody was thinking such a farm would be here. The discussions and collaboration between the DMCC and AGL have made this possible,” said one participant.

In addition to its reclamation efforts, Abosso Goldfields Ltd continues to invest in the local community through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation. This year, the Foundation has funded projects in education, health, and infrastructure, including the construction of doctors and nurses’ quarters, community centers, and water facilities. The Foundation, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is set to hand over a fully roofed sports stadium to the Damang community later this month.

As the forum concluded, attendees toured the rehabilitated areas, witnessing firsthand the positive impact of these activities on the local community. The Damang Mine’s commitment to sustainable mining and community development was clear, leaving participants with a renewed sense of optimism for the future.