By Domingo Dargbeh
The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has, with immediate effectively, suspended the operations of Huiren Mining Company in Bong County.
The Ministry took the decision to “uphold safety and regulatory compliance.”
The action follows a comprehensive assessment that revealed significant breaches of safety and environmental standards.
The inspection carried out over the weekend by the Ministry’s Director of Mines, Alwell Aloysius Carr, and deputy inspector for Mines, Adolphus Gleekia, uncovered “deficiencies in Huiren’s operations.”
Authorities described the findings as “indicative of a systemic failure by the company to adhere to established mining regulations.”
Key issues identified during the inspection, included Huiren’s inability to provide essential production reports, and other documentation crucial for transparency and compliance.
Inspectors also noted serious structural safety concerns, specifically an unstable shaft collar at the mining site, which poses a significant risk to workers.
Moreover, the inspection highlighted a near-total lack of basic health and safety measures at both the mining and processing facilities, raising concerns about employee welfares and compliance with occupational health standards.
The MME’s findings were particularly alarming regarding the handling of hazardous materials.
The company was found to be improperly storing dangerous chemicals, including sodium cyanide (NaCN), ammonium nitrate, and sodium hydroxide.
The unauthorized stocking of the substances is seen as a substantial threat to both human health and the surrounding environment. In light of the violations, the Ministry has stated that such practices will not be tolerated, and reaffirmed its commitment to enforce the mining laws and environmental regulations. As part of the enforcement actions, the inspection team has recommended sanctions against Huiren Mining Company under applicable mining and environmental laws. Additionally, a comprehensive investigation has been initiated to assess the full scale of the company’s ore production activities and recovery processes.
This probe will also scrutinize the sourcing and use of chemicals within its Carbon-In-Leach (CIL) operations. Operations at the Bong County site will remain halted until a full compliance audit is completed. Huiren Mining will only be permitted to resume its activities once it has rectified all identified issues and demonstrated strict adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
This suspension underscores the Ministry’s ongoing dedication to protect public safety, preserve the environment, and ensure responsible mining practices throughout the country.