The government has taken administrative control of the Adamus Mine at Salman in the Ellembelle District after upholding the revocation of the mining lease held by Adamus Resources over what authorities described as “grave violations” of Ghana’s mining laws and regulations.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, directed the Minerals Commission to assume immediate administrative control of the mine following the conclusion of a Ministerial Review Committee set up to examine a petition by Adamus Resources against the initial decision to revoke its mining lease.
The Minister announced the decision during a working visit to the Adamus Mine, accompanied by officials of the Minerals Commission.
According to Mr Buah, the review committee confirmed most of the breaches identified in the original assessment of the company’s mining operations, leaving the Ministry with no basis to overturn the revocation.
“Following the report from the Minerals Commission to the Chief Inspector of Mines, and the recommendation citing grave violations of the Mining Act and mining regulations, a recommendation for the revocation of some mining leases was made,” the Minister said.
He explained that although Adamus Resources petitioned against the decision, the Ministry established the review committee to independently examine the concerns raised by the company.
“The Minister agreed with them; there was a petition, and we formed the ministerial review committee. That work has come to an end. As a Minister, I have concluded to uphold the revocation,” Mr Buah said.
He added that the decision meant the Minerals Commission was required to take immediate administrative control of the mine.
The government’s decision effectively brings the mining operations of Adamus Resources under state administration as authorities consider the next steps for the facility.
The takeover forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen oversight of Ghana’s mineral resources and ensure that mining operations comply with the country’s laws while delivering greater benefits to host communities.
Officials are also exploring measures to revitalise the Adamus Mine, restore production and create employment opportunities for residents within the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.
The government is expected to work with relevant stakeholders to determine how the mine can be effectively managed and returned to productive operations while safeguarding the interests of the state and affected communities.
