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The management of Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL) has reaffirmed its commitment to reviving the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, despite facing a series of legal challenges that slowed progress in the early months of the year.
According to the Managing Director of Heath Goldfields, Mr Patrick Appiah-Mensah, the company spent the first five months of the year battling multiple lawsuits filed by Blue Gold FGR, which opposed the government’s decision to transfer the mine lease to Heath Goldfields. All the legal actions have since been dismissed by the courts.
Mr. Appiah-Mensah made these remarks during a community mining consultative meeting held to brief stakeholders on the company’s activities and progress so far.
Major Investments Made
Despite the legal hurdles, Heath Goldfields has already invested approximately $75 million in preparatory works ahead of full-scale production. This includes the payment of GHS 103 million in outstanding worker salaries and electricity debts inherited from the previous operator, Blue Gold FGR.
Additionally, the company has negotiated with the government to settle a $7 million mineral rights rent liability left behind by the former leaseholder.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to reviving the mine and making it a model of sustainable mining and development,” Mr Appiah-Mensah emphasised.
Five-Year Redevelopment Strategy
Heath Goldfields has outlined a five-year Phase One strategy to invest $205 million in underground mine redevelopment and the establishment of a sulphide processing plant. The plan targets an annual production of 285,000 ounces of gold.
The company’s immediate focus is on dewatering the underground mine by the first quarter of next year — a process that involves pumping out about 10 million litres of water daily, accumulated over years of neglect. So far, water levels have been reduced by 75 feet, with refurbishment works nearing completion.
Mr Appiah-Mensah highlighted that Heath Goldfields is 90% Ghanaian-owned and 100% Ghanaian-managed, reflecting President Mahama’s vision to deepen local content and participation in the mining sector.
“We are here to upgrade the mine and enrich lives through responsible mining. Recommissioning of the processing plant and the commencement of open-pit operations are well on course,” he added.
Clarifying Ownership Disputes
The MD dismissed claims that Heath Goldfields was responsible for the operational challenges faced by Blue Gold FGR, the previous leaseholder.
“The government issued a public statement detailing the process leading to the termination of the company’s mineral rights. If all was well, the mine wouldn’t have been handed over to us. We are not behind their troubles,” he stated.
Community Endorsement
The Divisional Chief of Prestea Himan, Nana Nteboa Pra V, commended Heath Goldfields for the progress made so far and expressed optimism about the mine’s revival.
“The mine has come a long way, and the time to develop and upgrade it is now. We have sacrificed a lot for this mine and deserve to see tangible benefits,” he said.
During a tour of the company’s facilities, the chief praised the visible progress, noting, “Within this short period, they are really working hard to bring the mine back to life. If all goes well, there’s a bright future for us—unlike in past years.”
Addressing ongoing ownership disputes, Nana Nteboa emphasised that the community is focused on supporting a company committed to sustainable development.
“If they believe they have a case, they can pursue it in court. But as a community, we are not interested in litigation,” he stressed.
He concluded by noting that while previous operators failed to deliver meaningful community initiatives, Heath Goldfields has already demonstrated a clear commitment to local development.
“Opportunity was given to them for three years, yet nothing was done for the community. Heath has come in, and we can already see progress. The government did the right thing,” he said.
