Newmont Ghana’s Akyem Mine, Newmont Golden Ridge Limited, has been recognised for demonstrating exceptional performance in environmental management at its operations. The company was adjudged Ghana’s Best Performer in Environmental Management at the fourth Ghana Mining Industry Awards organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
The Ghana Mining Industry Awards are organised annually by the Chamber of Mines to honour outstanding achievements and excellence by mining companies in the country.
The company was awarded for advancing environmental management programmes and observing the highest environmental standards in its operations. This year marks the second consecutive win for the company after jointly winning with Chirano Goldmine last year.
Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo mine was also adjudged joint runners up in the same category this year.
“Environmental stewardship is key to our operations and we are glad that our efforts are yielding good results so far. At Newmont Ghana, our employees and business partners abide by standards that protect both human health and the environment in which we operate,” said Alwyn Pretorius, Regional Senior Vice President, Newmont Africa.
Reforestation and Biodiversity Offset Commitments
The Akyem mine has committed to a reforestation programme as part of its environmental impact assessment to replace by three-fold, portions of the Ajenjua Bepo forest impacted by the mine’s operations. Last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the forestry commission to commence the second phase of the reforestation programme.
When all is done, the mine is expected to replenish 317 hectares of degraded forest. Additionally, Akyem is committed to undertaking a Biodiversity offset project at a site to be determined in conjunction with the Forestry Commission.
Land Reclamation
Newmont Ghana’s Akyem and Ahafo mines have adopted a concurrent reclamation approach which ensures the progressive restoration of already mined areas to a usable condition for the communities. Newmont Ghana has committed publicly to report on all reclamation target achievements.
Industry leader in sustainability
The award re-affirms Newmont’s position as the industry leader in sustainability. In September this year, its parent company, Newmont Mining Corporation was for the third consecutive year, named the mining industry’s leader globally in sustainability by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI – World).
“We will continue to serve as catalysts for local economic development and lead the industry in environmental stewardship,” Mr. Pretorius added.
About Newmont Ghana
Africa is one of five core operating districts of Newmont Mining Corporation, the second largest gold company in the world (www.newmont.com). Newmont holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo mine in the Brong-Ahafo Region and the Akyem mine in the Eastern Region. The company currently employs approximately 4,000 employees and business partners.
Newmont is the only gold company listed in the S&P 500 index and in 2007 became the first gold company selected to be part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. In 2015 and 2016 Newmont was ranked by the DJSI as the mining industry’s global leader in sustainability. In 2015, Newmont Ghana was honoured by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs its efforts at promoting human rights and labour rights within the company and in its host communities. Newmont’s industry leading performance is reflected through Newmont Ghana’s high standards in environmental management, health and safety for its employees and creating value and opportunity for its host communities and Newmont’s shareholders.
More information can be found in Newmont’s annual sustainability report, www.BeyondTheMine.com. The report is published as part of Newmont’s ongoing obligations as a founding member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (www.icmm.com) and in accordance with its commitments under the United Nations’ Global Compact (www.unglobalcompact.org) and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (www.voluntaryprinciples.org).
Regional Media Contact:
Ama Bawuah
Acting Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
+233 24 431 3596 / Ama.Bawuah@newmont.com
