Newmont Ghana Gold Limited is committed to operating safely and responsibly in our operations and projects. The health and safety of our employees and our neighbors is of utmost importance and is taken very seriously as part of our business and we continuously seek to improve our safety practices and methods. We regret and are deeply concerned with any fatality or injury that occurs from activities of Newmont employees and our contractors whether inside the boundaries of our mine areas or outside the operations on public roads or in communities.
Newmont Ghana recognized from the earliest days of the Ahafo project feasibility study that road traffic safety and related accidents in Ghana were amongst the highest in any country where Newmont had previously worked.
As a result of the initial project risk assessments and the health impact assessment, the company has continuously strived to put measures in place to address road safety risks. These measures include extensive, regular and frequent training for all employees and contractors in addition to numerous efforts with external stakeholders and local communities to increase awareness and improve safety in and around the mine site area. Below are some of the safety measures in place.
• Engaged the local District Assemblies and traditional leaders to ensure the roads within urban community areas are not blocked by local vendors and traders;
• Evaluating proposals from NGOs and other organizations to provide road safety capacity building to local communities, employees and contractors;
• Provide training to the youth to assist children in crossing the roads safely;
• Sponsored numerous road safety campaigns on local radio stations;
• Enforced strict speed controls for company employees and contractors passing through communities;
• Supported local authorities to improve road signage within our host communities; and
• Installed Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and speed trackers in all of our light vehicle to monitor adherence to our mandatory speed limits.
A recent report has challenged our safety record in Ghana, claiming that 15 fatalities have been associated with our operations over the past five years. The Ahafo operation has not had a mine-work related fatality associated with its mine operations since production began in 2006. Regrettably, there have been a number of accidents which occurred around the mine operations area and road traffic accidents both near and far from the Ahafo operation’s area.
The report also makes reference to the standards utilized in the construction of “dams” or facilities at the Ahafo mine. The facilities at Ahafo which contain “dams” or engineered embankments have been designed and constructed to international standards. Similarly, all embankments which are larger than fifteen metres in elevation were reviewed by independent engineers during both the design and construction phase. Embankments are also independently audited annually to ensure facilities are operating as designed. To date, no design or operational issues have been identified by any of the independent reviews or audits.
The drowning incidents, which occurred (two in 2005; one in 2009; and one in 2010), resulted from individuals accessing water bodies despite warnings and relevant safety signs and in spite of community awareness-raising programmes. The water bodies which are integral parts of our operations are constructed to internationally recognized engineering standards and have been approved for use by the Ghanaian regulatory bodies. The drowning incidents were fully investigated and additional measures were put in place based on the investigation results. The measures included increased patrols, signage, and community information campaigns to ensure all households in proximity to water bodies clearly understand the associated risks.
Road traffic safety is an ongoing risk throughout the country and a continued focus for Newmont Ghana. All of the road traffic related accidents involving Newmont vehicles or vehicles operated by Newmont contractors occurred on public roads. Newmont regrets the loss of life from these unfortunate accidents and in all cases; we have worked with the police, community leaders, families and others to establish the facts. We have also taken the appropriate measures of bearing funeral expenses, providing the injured with medical cover and supporting their families while they are receiving medical attention. We have also been involved in facilitating processing of compensation for victims and families.
We are committed to the continuous improvement of our health, well-being and safety procedures and standards. Newmont’s first priority remains the safety of our neighbors, employees and contractors.
About Newmont Ghana
Newmont Ghana operates one of five core operating districts for Newmont Mining Corporation (www.newmont.com), one of the largest gold companies in the world. Newmont Ghana operates the Ahafo Mine in the Brong-Ahafo Region and also has a development project, the Akyem Project in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
The company employs approximately 5,400 employees and contractors, with the majority working at its Ahafo Mine. Newmont’s industry leading performance is reflected in Newmont Ghana’s high standards in environmental management, health and safety for its employees and creating value and opportunity for its employees, host communities and Newmont’s shareholders.
Media Contact: Adiki O. Ayitevie
Regional Manager, Communications
024 4330870
adiki.ayitevie@newmont.com