Damang (W/R), August 5, GNA - Illegal mining "Galamsey" operators have invaded the concession of Damang mines of Goldfields Ghana Limited, Mr Robert Siaw, Community Relations Manager of the mine said on Friday. He made this known, when Mr Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister and Mr Kwesi Blay, his deputy, visited the concession as part of a two-day visit to Goldfields Ghana Limited.

Mr Siaw said illegal mining started in various sections of the concession ten years ago in small numbers but their number had increased to about 400.

He said the operators had dug deep excavations in the concession and in the process, destroyed "The gold bearing rock". Mr Siaw said the company would use dialogue to persuade the "galamsey" operators to leave but if this failed, they would be ejected. At the Tarkwa mine, Mr Johan Botha, the General Manager, said the company operated according to a comprehensive and certified environmental management system.

He said environmental management was integrated into all aspects of the operation of the company and managed at the operational level. Mr Botha said the company had in place environmental training programme for employees and contractors.

Mr David Yaro, Regional Coordinating Director, accompanied them.