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Ahafo mine
Mine in Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Ahafo mine is one of the largest gold mines in the Republic of Ghana and in the world.[1][2] The mine is located in the center of the country in Brong-Ahafo Region.[2] The mine has estimated reserves of 17 million ounces of gold.[needs update][2][3][4]
The company has been accused of "human rights abuses and irresponsible practices" by Earthworks, an environmental organization, and others.[5][6]
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Pollution and social impact
In October 2008, an instrument malfunction caused a spill of sodium cyanide, and the Ghanaian EPA determined that the company had violated its permits. The company was fined $4.9 million and the government agency determined that Newmont failed to appropriately report or investigate the spill.[7]
The cyanide spill caused a large fish kill. Newmont initially denied responsibility for the fish kill, stating that the deaths were due to over-population of the fish and depleted oxygen in the water. An independent investigation found high levels of cyanide in the fish, and that cyanide levels in the water were 1,400% higher than the World Health Organisation standard. The water also contained levels of cadmium and arsenic that far exceeded WHO safety standards.[8]
Earthworks reports that the mine displaced about 9,500 people who were mostly subsistence farmers.[9]
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References
External links
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