No illegal miner underground has been confined; the main exit ramp remains open - AngloGold

AngloGold Ashanti Ghana’s Obuasi Mine has said it has become aware of media reports alleging that illegal miners may have been trapped underground in the northern areas of the mine, remote from current active mining areas.

The mining company explained that unauthorized persons underground are able to exit on foot, via the existing ramp, through the main access of this mining area.

No person underground has been confined in any way and the main exit ramp from the mine remains open.

Obuasi Gold Mine’s management team has notified the relevant authorities and public security services and is working closely with them, a statement they issued said.

“Yesterday, seven illegal miners exited through this main access point on foot and are in the 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.

“Intrusion of illegal miners into underground areas remains a significantly dangerous activity and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana is working alongside authorities to ensure that only authorized mine personnel and contractors can access underground work areas.

“The safety and security of our employees and community members remain our top priorityand AngloGold Ashanti Ghana stands ready to provide any assistance required by theauthorities in ensuring the safe exit of any unauthorized persons underground,” a statement issued said.