Xtra Gold-Mining Company is set to begin discussion on concerns raised by the chiefs and people of Atiwa in the Eastern region, before commencing operations. The company has obtained a lease from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to mine in the Banso concession. It is however awaiting permit from the Environmental Protection Agency to start work in the operational area covering Awenare, Pamen, Apampatia and Tumfa, among others. Last week, the chiefs and people of Apampatia protested the take-over of their land by the company, and threatened to attack its workers. Both the Mmember of Parliament and District Chief Executive for the area called for restraint as concerns of residents are addressed. Company officials however say they will engage the chiefs and people on the issues. Administration Officer, Ishaq Aidoo denies claims the company has started main stream mining in the area, without EPA permit. “We are law abiding company. We were granted the mining lease starting from this past January 2011 and we are yet to submit Environmental Impact Assessment Report to EPA within two years for us to have the permit to mine. And we all know that for a company start mining, the company must have a mining lease and EPA permit to mine”, he explained. Mr. Aidoo believes agitations from the youth and several others yet to be executed plans are to make the company unpopular in its bid to get EPA permit and pave way for the negative activities of galamsey operators. “It is a calculated attempt to frustrate us to get our EPA license to mine. We don’t know whom but somebody is behind pushing the youth to do that so that they can have the upper hand to you know encourage galamsey in the area and once they start this galamsey, it would be very difficult to mine on such a place”. Meanwhile, the chiefs and people of Apampatia have welcomed the proposal. Spokesperson for the chiefs, Opanin Kwabena Boateng says consensus can be reached only when their concerns are adequately addressed. Story by: Ohemeng Tawiah, Nhyira Fm-Kumasi.