Newmont Ghana has firmly denied allegations that its Ahafo North Mine is responsible for the reported pollution of the River Tano in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, describing the claims as “misleading” and unsupported by evidence from ongoing investigations.
In a statement addressing growing public concern, the mining giant said it had become aware of reports linking the discolouration and pollution of the River Tano to its operations. However, the company stressed that multiple independent and joint investigations conducted so far have found no indication that Newmont’s activities are impacting the river.
“Newmont wishes to state, without equivocation, that its operational activities do not pollute the Tano River,” the company said.
According to the statement, Newmont has been working closely with relevant regulatory institutions and community stakeholders to establish the facts. Investigations have included field visits, stakeholder interviews, and a detailed review of operational and environmental management records.
One of the key assessments was a joint investigation conducted by the Water Resources Commission (WRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition, a separate field inspection was carried out by youth leaders and Assembly Members from communities hosting the mine.
Newmont noted that these community representatives have since publicly shared their findings, indicating that they observed no evidence linking the company’s mining operations to pollution of the River Tano.
The company emphasized that environmental stewardship remains central to its operations, stating that it adheres to the highest environmental and water management standards—often exceeding what is legally required.
“Newmont operates to the highest environmental and water management standards, frequently beyond regulatory expectations,” the statement noted, adding that the company will continue to cooperate fully with all investigative bodies probing the source of the river’s pollution.
While maintaining its innocence, Newmont reaffirmed its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining in the Tano North Municipality, pledging continued engagement with regulators, local authorities, and host communities to protect water bodies and livelihoods.
Newmont is the world’s leading gold producer and also mines copper, zinc, lead, and silver. It operates a global portfolio of assets across Africa, Australia, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Founded in 1921 and publicly traded since 1925, Newmont is the only gold mining company listed on the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership.
