Audio By Carbonatix
Chinese mining firm, Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Limited, has taken over the operations of Wassa Mine from Golden Star Resources.
The new operators have agreed to respect and honour all the existing contracts that were signed by Golden Star Resources.
They include employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements which have been entered into with employees of the mine.
The Wassa Mine, which covers a total surface of approximately 52.89km2, has been in operation for several years. It originally operated as a small-scale mining site until Satellite Goldfields Limited acquired it in 1993.
As of the end of 2020, Golden Star Resources had produced about 2.4 million ounces of gold, since its acquisition of the mine in 2002.
The transition from open-pit mining to underground mining in 2015 marked a major milestone in the life of the mine, with total production increasing from 104,000 ounces in 2016 to 165,000 ounces in 2020.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the official take-over of the mine, Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, assured workers and residents that government will work with Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Limited to ensure the rights of all employees are protected.
According to him, efforts are being made to list the mining firm on the Ghana Stock Exchange in order to effectively utilise the mineral resources for the benefit of Ghanaians.
A former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Golden Star Resources (GSR), Andrew Wray, explained that the sale of the mine to the new investor would ensure that the mine is developed to realise its full potential for the benefit to all stakeholders.
On his part, the Managing Director for GSR-Wassa, Shadrach Adjetey Sowah, was hopeful the Chinese mining firm will build on the foundations already laid.
At the same event, the Executive President of Chifeng group and new chairman of GSR, Chen Zhiyong, expressed excitement about the mine’s prospects.
“Chifeng has well positioned record as a responsible operator and is well positioned to turn the Wassa Mine into amyloid class mine,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
GES opens applications for non-teaching staff promotion; here’s who qualifies
11 minutes -
What Is Wrong With Us: We fly halfway around the world to admire discipline, then fly home to tolerate chaos
13 minutes -
Discipline must not become abuse in raising children – ARK Foundation
20 minutes -
Photos: Culture, technology and cuisine take centre stage at Russia’s youth festival
21 minutes -
‘Who approved Laboma structures?’ – Victoria Bright calls for review of permitting system
27 minutes -
“The Darkest Chapter”: Latif Abubakar’s 21st production brings President Mahama’s UN reckoning to the National Theatre stage
31 minutes -
Teacher, three others investigated over alleged kidnapping of suspected MoMo fraudster in Kumasi
32 minutes -
Afenyo-Markin mourns Bernice Offei, describes her songs as ‘sermons set to music’
32 minutes -
Don’t just learn AI tools, use them to improve productivity – ALX Enterprise
39 minutes -
Free rabies vaccination campaign targets 25,000 dogs and cats nationwide
45 minutes -
Ghana needs a system to track child protection funding to where risks are highest – ARK Foundation
47 minutes -
AI may not replace humans, but workers who fail to adapt could lose jobs – ALX Enterprise
49 minutes -
Gideon Boako: Bretton Woods is fraying; Ghana has built a bridge
51 minutes -
Ghana’s child protection system failing children despite laws and policies – ARK Foundation
52 minutes -
‘Future of Black Queens is safe for many years’ – Black Princesses boss Charles Sampson
55 minutes