AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine, has dismissed allegations by the Adansi Progressive Association (APA) that the mining company has contaminated the water supply in the Apitikooko community.

The mine’s operations, in a statement, said the allegations that there are high cyanide levels in the community’s water as a result of its nearness to the Mine’s South Tailings Storage Facility (STSF) are false.

AngloGold Ashanti clarified that the “siting and construction of its STSF are fully compliant and duly permitted under applicable laws and best practices.”

Residents of the Apitikoko community had blamed AngloGold Ashanti for contaminating the waters in the community after tests conducted into samples of water by the Ghana Water Company Limited revealed harmful bacteria and chemicals in the water.

The results also showed that coliform bacteria could cause community members to be affected by gastrointestinal upset, fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea.

Therefore, the community members demanded medical screening for residents and compensation, among others.

But the Obuasi mine said it considers the allegations seriously as it regularly monitors boreholes in the community to ensure there is non-contamination.

“Further in compliance with applicable environmental legislation and regulations, boreholes in the Apitikooko Community are regularly monitored to ensure non-contamination. Monitoring data available and submitted to the regulator, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from 2014 to date, show that all parameters, including levels of cyanide, are well below the EPA Limits”, portions of the statement read.

However, the company assured that it will engage the leadership of the community, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other relevant stakeholders to share available information for purposes of common understanding.

“Obuasi Mine is committed to working with all its stakeholders to ensure continued sound and sustainable environment practices on and around its concession”, the statement added.