Heath Goldfields Ltd has confirmed the deaths of three illegal miners who infiltrated an inactive underground section of the company’s Prestea concession using unauthorized access routes.
According to a statement released by the company, the individuals illegally entered a restricted area of the mine, where they became trapped, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
Company Extends Condolences to Families
Heath Goldfields expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire Prestea community.
“Every loss of life, regardless of circumstance, is painful and we stand with the affected families in grief and sympathy,” the company said.
Authorities Begin Full-Scale Investigation
The mining firm noted that it is fully cooperating with the Ghana Police Service, the Minerals Commission and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) as investigations and recovery efforts continue.
The company commended the swift and professional response of the relevant agencies during the emergency operation.
Commitment to Safety and Responsible Mining
Heath Goldfields emphasized its commitment to the protection of human life, stating that strict safety and security protocols remain in place across all its concessions.
“As a responsible mining company, we remain committed to the highest standards of safety and the protection of human life,” the statement said.
The company also assured stakeholders, including traditional authorities, community members and regulators, of its continued dedication to responsible mining practices, community engagement and the safeguarding of livelihoods.
Support for Affected Families
Heath Goldfields’ community relations team is currently engaging with local leaders to coordinate support for the grieving families and to keep the broader community informed as the situation develops.
The company reiterated that its thoughts and prayers remain with all families affected by the tragedy.
Below is the press statement:
INCIDENT INVOLVING ILLEGAL MINERS ON HEATH GOLDFIELDS’ PRESTEA CONCESSION.
Heath Goldfields (the company) wishes to update the public and industry stakeholders on the unfortunate incident involving a group of illegal miners who infiltrated and were trapped within an inactive area of our underground workings on our Prestea concession.
Preliminary reports indicate that these individuals used unauthorized routes to access a restricted area of the Mine, leading to the tragic loss of 3 lives.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Prestea community during this difficult period. Every loss of life, regardless of circumstance, is painful and we stand with the affected families in grief and sympathy.
Heath Goldfields Ltd is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities, including the Ghana Police Service, the Minerals Commission and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), to support ongoing investigations and recovery efforts. We commend their professionalism and swift response.
As a responsible mining company, Heath Goldfields Ltd. remains committed to the highest standards of safety and the protection of human life. We continue to implement stringent security and safety protocols across all our concessions.
We assure our stakeholders including traditional leaders, community members, regulators and partners of our continued dedication to responsible mining, community engagement, and the safeguarding of livelihoods.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who have lost loved ones. Our community relations team is engaging local leaders to provide support to affected families and keep the community informed.
