Akyem: The Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology has commended Zijin Golden Ridge Limited's Akyem Mine for strong environmental stewardship, effective land reclamation, and a high level of local employment following an oversight visit.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Committee Chairman, Mr. Yaw Frimpong Addo, stated that the mine's operations demonstrated clear compliance with environmental protocols, based on briefings and inspections conducted during the visit. He noted the company's environmental sensitivity and compliance with environmental readiness protocols.
Mr. Addo highlighted the mine's reclamation performance, noting that it had exceeded its forest restoration commitment of 303 hectares. He also praised the extension of reclamation and biodiversity initiatives beyond the mine's lease area into the Atewa landscape, describing the approach as laudable and worthy of further consideration.
Committee members were briefed on the Zijin Atewa Biodiversity Offset Project, Ghana's first large-scale mining biodiversity offset. The 10-year conservation programme is being implemented in partnership with the Forestry Commission of Ghana and focuses on restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity beyond the mine's operational footprint.
The Committee's Ranking Member, Prof. Hamza Adam, praised the company's investment in renewable energy and green technologies. He noted the installation of solar panels and the procurement of electric vehicles as positive steps. Prof. Adam also commended Akyem Mine's local content performance, noting that the majority of its workforce was Ghanaian.
The Committee encouraged the company to sustain and deepen its environmental management practices as operations expand, emphasizing the need to maintain high standards throughout the life of the mine. The management of Akyem Mine reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining and sustainable development, stating that environmental protection, local value creation, and operational excellence remained central to its long-term strategy.
Zijin Golden Ridge Limited began operations in Ghana in April 2025 and has invested more than GHS 7 billion into the economy within its first year of operation.