Chairman and President of Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Company Limited (Golden Star Resources) Wang Jianhua, has assured stakeholders particularly traditional leaders in the company’s host communities that the new owners will bring – to bear – the long years of expertise in mining in ensuring that their operations pave the way for a holistic development.
“We don’t expect an easy mine. It is a difficult mine to develop and expand. But the difference between Chifeng and the previous investor is that Chifeng is a mining company with over 7 mines around the world and so we are experienced. So, we believe we will make a lot of difference.”
But he mentioned that the company will be counting on the unwavering support from the local community, government officials and regulatory bodies in ensuring that “our commitment to see a holistic development of the mine and everything around it is achieved”.
Mr. Jianhua, speaking through an interpreter, on the sidelines of a Community Stakeholders Engagement Forum at Wassa Akyempim said the new owners desire to expand the Wassa mine while working in harmonious with especially host communities.
The engagement was to affirm Chifeng Gold’s commitment to involve all relevant stakeholders in all deliberations as part of its sustainability drive.
Board Chairman of Golden Star Resources Limited Kevin Chen mentioned that Chifeng Gold has put in place measures to explore the full potentials of the Wassa Mine “by expanding the mine, increasing production, improving employee well being and enhancing the quality of life and socio-economic development of the communities”.
“We will expand the mine through the commencement of open – cast mining at Wassa and exploration and drilling activities at HBB… This will create more employment opportunities, increase life of the mine and guarantee job security. It will also increase the foundation fund with corresponding increase in community projects and programs among many other benefits that will ultimately inure to the benefit of members of host communities”.
Managing Director of Golden Star Resources Shadrack Adjetey, noted that following the acquisition of Golden Star Resources by Chifeng Gold, which gives the mine the prospect to have access to adequate financial capital for the Wassa mine to realize its growth potential and to extend the life of asset, the company has continued with steps to strengthen the relationship between its stakeholders.
“So, this occasion will help us to interact with one another and find encouragement in what has been accomplished thus far and hope to continue the commitment for success of the business to make Golden Star Wassa mines a model mine”.
Paramount Chief of Mpohor Osabarima Kwaw Entsie applauded Chifeng Gold for their commitment to involve relevant stakeholders to ensure that “the business succeed”.
“The well being of our people and the socio-economic transformation has been our dream. This is because the growth and development of our communities primarily depends on the quality of life of the mine. I would like to make a passionate appeal to management to ensure that communities get their fair share of employment opportunities.”
He appealed to the company to always use laid down structures “such as grievance resolution mechanism, engagement and consultation and dialogue whenever an issue arises”.
By Eric Yaw Adjei|Connect FM|3news.com|Ghana
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