New Abirem(E/R), April 21, GNA - Nana Appiah Kusi Obodum, Environment and Social Responsibility Co-ordinator of Newmont Akyem Project, last weekend said management would invest more than 700 million dollars in the project.

He said feasibility studies indicated that the project could generate seven million ounces of gold annually for the next 15 years. Nana Obodum was briefing Mr Kwadwo Afram-Asiedu, Eastern Regional Minister, on his maiden official visit to the project site. Mr Afram-Asiedu also visited community projects being undertaken by the management at Yayaaso and Adausena, information centres and the renovated Hewakwae School.

He said the project had been designed to assist in the development of New Abirem District and surrounding areas and management was undertaking research into the soil texture, water bodies, forest, livestock and weather conditions in the area to ascertain the effect of mining on the environment to take appropriate measures to restore the environment at the end of the project.

Nana Obodum said in addition to the reclamation bond required by law after mining, management would institute a special fund to manage the reclamation.

He said management would establish a negotiating team for annual compensation for crops, land and immovable properties this year. Mr Afram-Asiedu called on the people to use dialogue to resolve any problem between them and the management. Nana Acquah Frimpong, Birim North District Chief Executive appealed to the chiefs and people in the area to co-operate with the management to assist develop the area.