Accra, April 18, GNA - Professor Dominic Fobih, Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines on Tuesday urged exploration and mining companies to abide by the environmental laws of the state and also follow guidelines formulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He said, following laid down rules and regulations pertaining to the environment by companies in mining areas were of great importance to the government.

Prof. Fobih made the remarks when a five- member delegation of Pelango Mines Incorporated, a Canadian- based international mineral exploration company called on him at his office in Accra. The company is poised to acquire concessions within the Adansi District on completion of explorations, which has already, began in a 410 square-kilometre radius close to Anglogold's concession. Prof. Fobih said the government was ready to assist all investors in the discharge of their duties and nothing should be done at the expense of the environment and the people.

Ms Ingrid Habbard, President, Pelango Mines Inc., who led the delegation, said the Pelango Obuasi property comprised four prospective mineral concessions.

She said three of the concessions, the Meduma, Kyereboso Number Two and Kyereboso Number Three, made up a 290 square- kilometre block contiguous with a portion of the eastern boundary of the Obuasi mine. The fourth concession, New Edubiasi, covers 120.7 square kilometres and is a separate block located about three kilometres south of the other three concessions.

Ms Habbard said her company decided to come to Ghana based on the long history that Ghana had in gold mining and the fact that she could easily get skilled labour for both exploration and mining. "We have already engaged four young geologists from Ghana with a number of casuals to begin the preliminary works.

"I am already impressed with what I have seen, the warmth of the people, the enthusiasm to work and the skills at hand. I am therefore optimistic that this venture would produce the expected results," she said.