According to a three-member commission appointed by the Lands Ministry to examine the cause of the Appiatse explosion, Maxam Company Limited did not violate the Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177).
In response to the Ministry’s statement dated February 7, the Company also stated that the alleged breaches in the manufacturing, storage, and transportation of explosives for mining and other civil works, as noted by the government, were not the cause of the explosion that claimed 14 lives and destroyed the entire Appiatse community.
Maxam Ghana Limited has been fined $6 million by the Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, for violations identified by the Committee.
However, according to Maxam Ghana Limited, the event was caused by Arthaan Logistics’ transport.
“Maxam has noted the findings made by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources from its review of the tragic road accident and its assessment of how to avoid a recurrence. The Ministry has determined that there were certain breaches by Maxam in its operations and has imposed a fine of US$1 million on the company.”
“None of these breaches was the cause of the tragic road accident and all of them relate to the transport carried out by Arthaans Logistics. Based on a different interpretation of the applicable regulations, we believe that Maxam has not committed any of those breaches,” Maxam in its statement dated February 8, read.
In response to the fine imposed on the explosives manufacturing company, Maxam Ghana Limited has said that, despite its innocence, it would ensure payment in order to service its customers and maintain the employment of employees and subcontractors.
“Given our commitment to Ghana and its welfare, Maxam has agreed to the payment of additional Five Million United States Dollars or its cedi equivalent.
“Maxam recognizes the importance of its product for the value that Ghana and other countries derive from their natural resources, notably gold, and will continue to work with the mining industry and subcontractors involved in the transportation and use of these explosives to ensure safe handling and use,” it added.
As a condition antecedent to the reinstatement of its permission, Maxam Ghana Limited has been given a number of measures.
Press Release from Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
Maxam claims that it would adhere to the 14 steps outlined by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) movement on a public road to a mine or civil work site is prohibited unless specifically allowed by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
Other precautions include having two escort cars, one in front and one in rear, with sirens to alert bystanders about the explosives.
The company must inform the Chief Inspector of Mines 48 hours before the planned transportation, and mine inspectors must check every transportation to ensure that all rules and protocols are followed.
“Maxam will ensure it is in full compliance with the new regulatory measures announced by the Ministry and will continue to conduct its operations in accordance with the laws of Ghana and international best practices,” the company assured.
Meanwhile, Maxam Company Limited has conveyed its condolences to the Appiatse explosion’s bereaved families and victims.
“Maxam has been deeply saddened by the road accident and the loss of lives, injuries and extensive damage to property suffered by the Appiatse community. Our hearts go out to the community members.
We are indeed saddened by the incident and we express our heartfelt sympathy to Ghana, particularly, members of the Appiatse community for the loss of lives, property, and livelihoods. Maxam wishes to emphasize its sympathy with the Appiatse community,” it concluded.
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SOURCE: myjoyonline
