The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has revoked the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited covering the Akango, Salman, and Nkroful concessions after investigations uncovered illegal mining activities and multiple regulatory violations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, April 26, the Ministry said the decision followed findings by the Minerals Commission, which established that the company carried out unauthorised mining operations in breach of Ghana’s mining laws.

According to the report, Adamus Resources Limited sub-contracted mining activities on its concessions without securing the required ministerial approval, violating Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

Further findings showed the company operated without approved mining plans and valid permits from the Chief Inspector of Mines, contrary to Regulation 8(1) of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).

The Commission also found that Adamus failed to obtain mandatory approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority, as required under Section 18 of Act 703.

Investigators cited the involvement of foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, in activities deemed illegal under the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

Mining operations were also found to have extended beyond approved concession areas and designated infrastructure, leading to environmental degradation, including land disturbance and threats to water bodies, ecosystems, and surrounding communities.

Citing the severity of these violations, the Minister acted on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission under Section 100(2) of Act 703, stating that revocation was necessary in the public interest, particularly where concessions are used to facilitate illegal mining and where regulatory obligations have been persistently breached.

The Ministry warned that the revocation does not rule out possible criminal prosecution of Adamus Resources Limited, its directors, and management under applicable laws.

“In view of the gravity and deliberate nature of these breaches, the Minister, upon the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission given pursuant to section 100(2) of Act 703, has determined that immediate revocation of the mineral rights is warranted in the public interest, especially in cases where mineral rights are being used to facilitate illegal mining activities (‘galamsey’) or where statutory requirements have been fundamentally violated,” the statement said.

The Ministry added that measures would be introduced to protect the livelihoods of affected workers, with further details to be announced.

It reaffirmed the government’s resolve to clamp down on illegal mining, noting that firm action will continue to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and enforce comp1liance across the sector.