The Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring responsible gold mining that protects the environment as it pours its first gold in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.

It has also promised to prioritise local content to create jobs for residents, particularly the youth, undertake more corporate social responsibilities, stimulates the growth of the local economy and promote sustainable investment and development.

The CNML, a subsidiary of Shandong Gold, a Chinese Mining firm, is undertaking large scale open-cast (surface) gold mining in the Talensi District for an initial lifespan of 15 years.

The area is a green field, and it is the first of its kind in Ghana since 2013 when Newmont Akyem Mine poured its first gold.

It is the single largest gold stream mine in Ghana and is one of the largest single gold mines in the West African Subregion.

The Mine is expected to generate about 150 million tonnes of ore, resulting in five million ounces of gold within the period.

Speaking at the commissioning of the project, Mr Tang Zhenjiang, Chairman of CNML, said the company would not only focus on ensuring that mining was done properly but would also prioritise local content in its operations to ensure maximum benefits to the host communities.

“The completion of the Namdini Gold Project marks the beginning of operations for the largest economic entity in northern Ghana”, he said.

“Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd. will have a more positive, lasting impact on Ghana’s national economic development, increase job opportunities for local residents, and improve regional living standards”.

He explained that the company would employ high level technology that would enhance the company’s competiveness globally and aimed to “set the gold paradigm and establish a benchmark for China.

“Additionally, we will take on greater social responsibility, making more positive contributions to the prosperity and stability of the community”.

Mr Han Yaodong, General Manager for Shandong Gold Group, expressed gratitude to the government of Ghana and its people for supporting the project and added that it further strengthened the deep cooperation and relationship between China and Ghana.

“The Namdini Gold Mine, as Shandong Gold’s first overseas greenfield project, carries our dreams and expectations”, he said, adding “It is a model of China-Ghana cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and a strong testament to the friendship between our two countries”, he said.

He said the Namdini Gold Mine had always adhered to principles of safety, environmental protection, efficiency, and intensive resource usage, ensuring smooth progress through strong coordination and exceptional professional standards.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who commissioned the project, urged the CNML to employ best mining practices, and adhere to all environmental and other regulatory standards, for a safe and sustainable mining operation.

“It is, also, important to work closely with the chiefs and people of this area and deliver on your corporate social responsibility commitments. It cannot be right for you to post millions of dollars of profit, while the owners of the lands that give you these resources suffer”, the President warned.

Shandong Gold is one of the top 10 leading producers of gold globally, employing high level and ecologically friendly technologies in mining.

Its mine, CNML, in Ghana in the Talensi District is the first in Africa and the Company has invested US$1.1 million into the project, investing about US$600 million in the construction phase of the project.

Apart from operational offices, CNML has a Permanent Camp (accommodation facility) which could house over 328 staff with all the recreational facilities.

The Company has also completed the construction of the processing plant, the water abstraction and tailings storage facilities, 161Kv Power Transmission Line, segment ponds, road network and mechanical installation among others.

The company had already constructed a 25KM access road from Balungu (off the Tamale-Bolgatanga Road) to its site, which has been opened to the public connecting over 10 communities.

In 2022, the Company also spent over US$10 million to construct about 123 residential houses and public infrastructure including schools and healthcare facilities for the Biung and Accra Site resettled communities.

The Company has prioritised local content in its policies and about 90 percent of the Company’s manpower of 1,200 in the construction phase is Ghanaian nationals with about 51 percent from the project area.