Environment based Civil Society Organizations Savanna Research and Advocacy Network (SRAN) and Foundation for the Transformation of Marginal Areas (TAMA) have accused Earl International Mining company formerly Shaanxi for what they described as inhumane treatment on residents of Obuasi, a suburb of Gbane in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.
At a press conference organized by the CSOs, they said the activities of the mining company has over years impacted negatively on the lives of the people in the area.
They however, wondered why authorities in the area and the country at large have remained silent on the illegal activities of the mining company.
They said Earl International formerly known as Shaanxi came to the area through a partnership agreement with Yenyeya and Pubodtaaba small scale mining companies who were then working on a 50 acreages of land, constituting 0.2km2 concession. SRAN and TAMA revealed that Earl International currently has acquired a concession of 16km2 which Obuasi community falls within.
They said residents in the area are being forced to relocate without compensation. This, they noted, is abuse of their foundamental human right.
In 2019, 16 people in the area met their untimely death following a drone blast by Earl International.
After they were found guilty of the incident, they were charged to pay a fine of $40,000 as compensation to the bereaved families but all efforts made for them to pay the fine has not been successful.
Residents of the area alleged that Earl International has been using cement to cover-up mining pits instead of sand. This, they noted, is beyond their understanding, hence they demand explanation and clarification.
They further stated that Minerals and Mining Law 2006, in Regulation 2012(LI2175) requires mining companies to develop and implement a compensation plan to ameliorate the suffering of mining communities whose land and other resources will be affected.
They entreated the Talensi Traditional Council, Talensi District Assembly, the MP for Talensi Constituency and the Upper East Regional Minister to as a matter of urgency ensure that there is proper compensation and resettlement for all the communities that will be affected.
They also called for stakeholder engagement to sensitize residents of the mining community on the operations of Earl International.
