Newmont Ghana has stated that water treated and discharged from its mining operations meets the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking-water quality guidelines, as the company outlines measures it has adopted to protect water resources and surrounding communities.
The company’s Regional Director for Environmental Affairs, Mr Albert Otchere Ainoo, made this assertion during the Ambassador’s Water Experts Program (AWEP) Symposium held at the Accra Marriott Hotel on Tuesday.
Speaking on sustainable mining practices and environmental protection, Mr Ainoo said water treated by Newmont compares favourably with drinking water available to the public.
He explained that the company operates water treatment facilities to manage water affected by mining activities before it is discharged into receiving water bodies.
Responding to questions about the quality of discharged water, Mr Ainoo cited WHO drinking-water quality guidelines and disclosed that samples from the company’s operations are analysed by SGS laboratories.
He outlined several environmental protection measures implemented by Newmont, including the treatment of mine-affected water, surface-water monitoring, groundwater protection, and measures to control runoff and erosion.
According to his presentation, the company does not use mercury in its mining operations.
Mr Ainoo also highlighted the use of lined tailings storage facilities designed to prevent or minimise groundwater contamination.
He said Newmont’s operations at Ahafo South and Ahafo North are subject to regulatory oversight by the Environmental Protection Authority, the Minerals Commission and the Water Resources Commission.
The company also maintains that its tailings management systems are guided by international best practices, including the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.
Beyond its operational water management systems, Mr Ainoo disclosed that Newmont provides boreholes to communities around its mining areas to improve access to water.
The AWEP Symposium is examining mercury pollution and collaborative approaches to sustainable mining. It has brought together American technical experts and other stakeholders to discuss environmental monitoring, pollution control and practical solutions to protecting Ghana’s water resources.