The Akara gold mine reopened on Monday after a six-year hiatus. In 2017, the now-dissolved National Council for Peace and Order issued an executive decree suspending operations after government agencies accused the mine of causing negative environmental and health impacts on local communities.
Resumed operations will be a test case for the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM) under the Industry Ministry. The onus will fall on the DPIM -- known as a mouthpiece for mining companies -- to prove that it can do more than issue and renew business permits. Under the reopening conditions, Akara Resources Plc is required to achieve sustainable development in four areas -- the environment, land management, land-use permission and community health. DPIM must show it has teeth to make operations compliant with sustainable development mining regulations.
