The Upper East Small Scale Miners Association has criticized the Minerals Commission for failing to prioritize the families of the people who died in the mine blast at Gbane.
Sixteen people lost their lives after an explosion that is said to have happened close to the Shaanxi Mine in January 2019.
The mine was ordered to halt operations during the investigation after which the mine together with its partners were fined sixty thousand dollars for various infractions
But speaking to Citi News, acting Chairman of the Upper East small scale miners Association, Robert Tampore said the outcome of the investigation has been unfair to the people of Talensi.
“They never spoke about compensation for the 17 people who have passed away, they never talked about any compensation to them. Why should you talk about paying funds to the Minerals Commission and forget about the human being? Is the Minerals Commission important than the human beings who died? We will not take this lightly.”
The mining company has over the years had to contend with trespassing from illegal miners.
Eight illegal miners are currently before a court on charges of unlawful entry into the operational area of Shaanxi mining company and stealing gold ore.
Shaanxi Mining had its licence suspended in 2017 over safety concerns after the operations of illegal miners led to the seven deaths.
Shaanxi Mining was eventually allowed to commence operations on August 28, 2017, after a three-month suspension because the company had improved safety standards.
It is yet to resume operations following the January order to suspend operations to allow for the probe.
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By: Zoe Abu Baidoo/citinewsroom.com/Ghana