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Report by Emmanuel ADU GYAMFI
The Ahafo North soon – to -commence Project is Newmont Corporation’s third major mining investment in Ghana after its Ahafo South and Akyem mines is to begin operations.
It is located some 50 Kilometers (KM) north of the existing Ahafo South mine. It was part of the overall Ahafo lease which was acquired from Normandy Mining in 2002.
The mines would operate in five immediate host communities – Terchire, Yamfo, Afrisipakrom, Susuanso and Adrobaa.
From an initial investment of USD800 million, Newmont has so far invested over USD1.2 billion into the Ahafo North Project which is expected to produce between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold per year, within estimated 13 – year mine life.
The Project is expected to generate about 1,800 jobs at the construction stage and 550 direct jobs during operation.
It is also expected to further improve Newmont’s contribution to Ghana’s revenue generation through taxes, royalties, fees, and community development.
APPROACH TO PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
In developing the Ahafo North Project, Newmont has adopted a collaborative approach to ensure that stakeholder interests and inputs are incorporated at every stage of the project’s development.
Aside the regulatory commitments, the company in collaboration with government, national and community stakeholders has established engagement platforms to regularly deliberate, update, negotiate and receive feedback to advance the collective interest of all parties.
Stakeholder engagements are scheduled quarterly, monthly, or on an ad hoc basis to ensure all opinions are heard, addressed and incorporated into business decisions, where necessary.
These engagement platforms include the Crop Rate Negotiation Committee (CRNC), Resettlement Negotiation Committee (RNC), and Social Responsibility Forum (SRF), among others. A Complaints and Grievances Mechanism has also been established to manage all stakeholder concerns.
LAND ACCESS
So far, Newmont Africa has successfully compensated over 2,500 Project Affected People (PAPs).
Compensation has been made for crops, strictures (immovable properties) and Deprivation of Land Use (DLU).
RESETTLEMENT
The Resettlement Negotiation Committee (RNC) was formed to ensure an effective stakeholder participation in the processes leading to the resettlement of Project Affected People (PAPs). All necessary agreements have been reached.
The site for the resettlement and its scheme has been approved appropriate Municipal and legal authorities, and gazetted. In addition, resettlement housing designs have been completed and are undergoing the requisite reviews for final approval.
As part of measures to ensure local – locals participation, and in compliance with the Minerals Commission’s local content plan, Newmont has commenced tendering for resettlement civil and earth works for local contractors. The bidding process is ongoing.
HUMAN RESOURCE
The Ahafo North Project is expected to create about 1,800 jobs during the construction phase and 550 direct jobs during operation. Newmont’s local employment is guided by the host communities.
The company has committed to progressively recruit 53% of its workforce from the immediate host communities.
In addition, the project has established a number of skills development opportunities for locals to help them gain access to employable skills and potential job opportunities within and outside Newmont.
The programmes include construction worker training, learnership, apprenticeship training, and soft skills and Curriculum Vitae (CV) training among other unique opportunities.
LOCAL PROCUREMENT
Newmont Africa would continue to build the capacity of local businesses and create employment opportunities in its host communities for business continuity through the introduction and implementation of programmes such as the Enhanced Local Procurement Programme (ELPP) and other local content opportunities.
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