A Chinese national, known as Wu, along with five Ghanaian accomplices, have been apprehended for trespassing and causing significant damage to Zoar Mining Enterprise’s 50-acre concession in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District of the Central region.
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Utilizing excavators and earth-moving machinery, the illegal miners ravaged over half of the 120-acre concession owned by the company, purportedly under the direction of an individual named Ernest, who remains at large.
The arrests were made around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, following extensive surveillance efforts conducted by the security personnel of Zoar Mining Enterprise.
The suspects were subsequently turned over to the Ministries Police in Accra at the behest of officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
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The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had previously granted Zoar Mining Enterprise a 5-year mining lease, renewable upon expiration, for the extraction of gold and diamonds.
However, prior to commencing operations, the illegal miners infiltrated the concession, numbering over 40 individuals.
Nana Akwasi Yentumi Asante, Operations and Sustainability Manager of Zoar Mining Enterprise, lamented the significant financial losses incurred by the company due to the unlawful activities.
He emphasized the company’s commitment to safeguarding its concessions and maximizing revenue generation for the government through tax contributions.
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