BY Daniel Bampoe
The Minerals Commission has expressed confidence in the operations of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, commending the company for demonstrating strong adherence to sustainable and responsible mining practices following its takeover of the Akyem Gold Mine.
The endorsement comes months after initial concerns were raised when the Chinese-owned firm assumed control of one of the largest gold mining operations.
Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, a subsidiary of global mining giant Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., officially took over operations of the Akyem Gold Mine in April 2025.
The transition marked a significant change in ownership and management of the mine, which plays a critical role in the gold production and local economic activity in the Eastern Region.
At the time of the takeover, regulators and host communities were cautious, mindful of past experiences in the sector where changes in ownership have sometimes resulted in environmental, safety, or community-relations challenges.
Speaking at Zijin’s End-of-Year Stakeholder Dinner in Koforidua, the Principal Inspector of the Minerals Commission for the Koforidua Division, Regina Abbey, acknowledged those early reservations but noted that the company’s operations had exceeded expectations.
She said the Commission had observed a clear departure from initial fears, describing Zijin’s operational approach as markedly different and more aligned with best practices in the mining industry.
Abbey emphasized that the Commission’s approval is tied not only to production efficiency but also to the company’s respect for environmental standards, worker safety, and public health.
She urged Zijin Golden Ridge Limited to sustain its current trajectory by deepening engagement with surrounding communities to ensure long-term peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit.
The stakeholder dinner, organized by the company, brought together a broad cross-section of interests, including traditional leaders, community representatives, regulators, the media, and other key stakeholders.
The gathering served as both a review of the company’s performance since the takeover and a platform to reinforce commitments to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
Beyond regulatory praise, Zijin Golden Ridge Limited has outlined ambitious expansion plans for the Akyem Gold Mine.
The company intends to increase mining production from the current 27 million tonnes to 37 million tonnes in 2026, with a further scale-up to 53 million tonnes by 2028.
Gold output is also projected to rise significantly, from about five tonnes this year to 8.5 tonnes next year, and up to 10 tonnes by 2028, with a long-term objective of annual growth thereafter.
These projections, if realized, are expected to strengthen the position as a leading gold producer while contributing to employment, local development, and national revenue.
However, regulators have maintained that growth must go hand in hand with strict environmental protection, worker safety, and continuous dialogue with host communities.
