No one has been trapped in the underground mine at Obuasi, according to AngloGold Ashanti.
There was no one trapped underneath, the corporation claimed in a press release dated May 30, 2023 and signed by the managing director, Eric Asubonteng.
He claimed that the mine’s main evacuation ramp is still open.
As a result, he has urged anyone who isn’t supposed to be there to come out of the mine through the exits where security guards are waiting.
He claims that the firm has learned that some illegal miners might be present underground in the mine’s northern regions, far from the active mining zones right now.
He explained that unauthorised persons underground are able to exit on foot, via the existing ramp, through the main access of this mining area, stressing that “Yesterday, seven illegal miners exited through this main access point on foot and are in the custody of the Ghana Police Service. Any unauthorised person underground is encouraged to leave the mine at any time by the exit points where public security personnel remain on standby.”
Attached below is a copy of the press release
AngloGold Ashanti Ghana’s Obuasi Mine is aware of media reports alleging that illegal miners may have been trapped underground in the northern areas of the mine, remote from current active mining areas.
Unauthorized persons underground are able to exit on foot, via the existing ramp, through the main access of this mining area. No person underground has been confined in any way and the main exit ramp from the mine remains open.
Obuasi Gold Mine’s management team has notified the relevant authorities and public security services and is working closely with them.
Yesterday, seven illegal miners exited through this main access point on foot and are in the custody of the Ghana Police Service.
Any unauthorized person underground is encouraged to leave the mine at any time by the exit points where public security personnel remain on standby.
Intrusion of illegal miners into underground areas remains a significantly dangerous activity and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana is working alongside authorities to ensure that only authorized mine personnel and contractors can access underground work areas.
The safety and security of our employees and community members remain our top priority and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana stands ready to provide any assistance required by the authorities in ensuring the safe exit of any unauthorized persons underground.
