Banka (Ash), Jan. 31, GNA –Anumso Mines, a gold mining company, is to start prospecting for gold at Banka near Gyadam in the Asante-Akim South District following the issuance of license to it by the Minerals Commission.

Ahead of this activity, the company together with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a durbar to educate the local people.

Mr Isaac Osei Kofi, who led the EPA team, said they had thoroughly assessed the environmental impact of the project and are quite satisfied that the company had complied with all the environmental safety requirements.

He called for a closer collaboration between the company and the community to address issues of mutual concern including the fight against illegal miners.

Mr Kofi Agyei, a Senior Inspector at the Minerals Commission, said the company’s prospecting license is for three years, after which, it would be given a final operational license.

He urged the Mine to ensure that it covered all pits dug in the course of its operations in order not to degrade the environment and endanger the lives of the people adding that land owners whose lands and other property may be affected would be adequately compensated.

Mr De-graft Forkuo, the District Chief Executive (DCE), urged the company to employ the local people and honour its social responsibilities to the community.

He said there should also be prompt payment of compensation to those who might lose their property to the mining activity to avoid needless confrontations.