Minerals Commission directs Exton Cubic to halt operations at Ghana's Nyinahin bauxite concession

After Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana’s Minerals Commission has now directed Exton Cubic Group Limited to halt mining operations at Nyinahini bauxite concession overlooking Tano Offin Forest reserve in Ashanti district.

Exton Cubic shall obtain the “necessary approvals and permits as may be required by law from the Forest Commission on Water Resources Commission and the Environment Agency or any other regulatory body” before “undertaking an activity or operation under the mining lease,” the Minerals Commission directive said.

Exton Cubic Mineral exploration company Exton Cubic had applied for a permit to start prospecting of bauxite in Tano Offin Forest reserve area, but failed to comply with EPA regulations. As a result, its permit was rendered null and void.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Peter Amewu, had also once tried to defend Exton by confirming that his Ministry granted the mining company an entry permit into the Nyinahin bauxite concession. Even his assurance failed to convince EPA.

The regulatory body said in a statement, “... Exton Cubic Group limited has not obtained the required EPA permit under its mining lease and therefore, any attempt to enter the area for mining is illegal.”