General News of Wednesday, 25 November 2009

Source: GNA

EPA submits report on Newmont cyanide spillage

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has submitted its report on investigations into the Newmont cyanide spillage saga to the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology, a statement in Accra said.

The ministry has subsequently set up a six-member committee, headed by Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Deputy Minister to study the report and advise the ministry on the way forward.

The statement recalled that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL), on October 8, allegedly discharged process water containing sodium cyanide into the external environment within its Ahafo South Concession. "The EPA immediately conducted investigations and subsequently submitted its report to the ministry," it said.

The statement said the committee would study the report and advise the ministry on compensations that need to be paid to the affected communities. It said the committee would hold its maiden hearing on Thursday, November 26, at 1000 hours at the Ministry's conference room. 25 Nov. 09