Nine illegal miners trapped in abandoned Konongo shaft

Nine illegal miners narrowly escaped death after becoming trapped in an abandoned mine shaft on the concession of Northern Ashanti Mines Company Limited at Konongo in the Ashanti Region.

The incident, which has heightened concerns over the growing activities of illegal miners within the area, reportedly occurred when the group entered one of the old underground shafts on the company’s concession to engage in unauthorized mining activities.

Management of the company explained that the affected persons were not employees of the mining firm but illegal miners who had encroached on the concession.

According to the company, the miners became trapped in the abandoned shaft, resulting in a near-fatal situation.

The matter has since been reported to the Police and other security agencies for investigations and further action.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers associated with illegal mining activities, particularly on abandoned underground mine structures which pose serious risks to human life.

Management of Nguvu Mining Limited, the parent company of Northern Ashanti Mines Company Limited, said it is collaborating with the Police, Military, Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and traditional authorities to intensify efforts to remove illegal miners and dismantle unauthorized operations on the concession.

The company warned that illegal mining activities continue to threaten lives, damage the environment, and undermine lawful mining operations within the enclave.

It also cautioned persons engaging in illegal mining to stay away from the concession, stressing that abandoned shafts and old mining infrastructure remain extremely hazardous.

Northern Ashanti Mines Company Limited currently holds a 163 square kilometre concession in the Konongo enclave and is undertaking redevelopment works ahead of full-scale mining operations expected to commence in 2026.

Management reiterated its commitment to operating responsibly under the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703), while promoting environmental sustainability and community development within the Ashanti Region.

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