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AngloGold Ashanti has responded to reports alleging that some unauthorised people have been trapped underground in the Northern areas of its mines.
It is reported that about 300 illegal miners are trapped in one of the shafts belonging to AngloGold’s Obuasi Mines at Anwiam in the Obuasi East District of the Ashanti Region.
It is believed that the victims are unable to leave the pit and are calling for help to be rescued.
In a statement dated Tuesday, 30 May 2023, said “No person underground has been confined in anyway and the main exit ramp from the mine remains open.”
It added: “Intrusion of illegal miners into underground areas remains a significantly dangerous activity and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana is working alongside authorities to ensure that only authorised mine personnel and contractors can access underground work areas.”
The statement stressed the “safety and security of employees and community members’ remains its topmost priority, hence it stands ready to “provide any assistance required by the authorities in ensuring the safe exit of any unauthorized persons underground.”
It emphasisied that as of Monday, May 29, seven of the illegal miners exited through the main access point on foot and are currently in police 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,” the statement admonished.
