The Minerals Commission has ordered Heath Goldfields Limited to immediately suspend all operations at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, citing multiple regulatory violations that could result in the revocation of its mining license.
The directive was issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines on June 24, 2025 under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182), following a comprehensive review of the company’s operations, safety protocols, regulatory compliance and administrative conduct.
A statement released by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, through its Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, confirmed the suspension and noted that Heath Goldfields has been given 45 days to rectify the breaches and carry out essential services, as specified by the Minerals Commission.
The Ministry explained that the decision was necessitated by the company’s continued non-compliance with essential operational standards.
“This cautionary notice follows the company’s unsatisfactory operations, as determined by a robust and thorough review of its operational protocols, regulatory compliance, and general administrative procedures,” the statement read.
Heath Goldfields was granted approval by the Minerals Commission on November 13, 2024 to acquire the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases after passing a technical and financial due diligence process.
As part of its bid, the company submitted a revised Strategic Mine Development Plan that included a four-phase implementation timeline, stretching from site preparation in Q1 2025 to mine closure and reclamation in Q4 2039.
Despite these commitments, a Minerals Commission inspection on May 16, 2025, revealed that no mining activity had commenced. Instead, conditions at the site had deteriorated significantly.
The company was found to be in violation of several contractual obligations, particularly under Section 1.18 of its revised Strategic Mine Development Plan.
The Tailings Storage Facility was reportedly in poor condition, the Process Water Treatment Plant was non-functional, and there were no contractors on site. Alarmingly, illegal miners had also invaded portions of the concession.
Further compounding the issue, Heath Goldfields allegedly transported gold-bearing concentrates without prior written approval from both the Minerals Commission and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority a direct violation of Clause 7 of its mining leases.
Additionally, staff grievances about poor working conditions and unpaid salaries prompted a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP). Following the petition, the Minister visited the site on May 23, 2025 to assess the situation personally.
Subsequent investigations confirmed the company is grappling with severe financial and operational challenges.
In light of these findings, Hon. Buah instructed the Minerals Commission to issue formal notices in accordance with statutory requirements.
In addition to the 45-day operational suspension, the company has been granted a 120-day window under Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the Mining Lease Agreement to address all violations. Failure to do so will result in the termination of its mining lease.
This action, according to the Ministry, is part of a broader effort to enforce mining regulations, ensure environmental and operational safety and protect Ghana’s mineral resources.
The post Heath Goldfields Ordered To Cease Operations At Bogoso-Prestea appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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