Minerals Commission defends termination of Northern Ashanti Mines’ leases over $8.38m unpaid fees

The Minerals Commission has defended its decision to terminate the mining leases and prospecting licences of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited, formerly known as Owere Mines, citing US$8.38 million in unpaid statutory fees and more than two years without meaningful mining operations.The Commission’s defence follows an operation on Thursday, October 22, during which its officers, accompanied by military personnel, entered the company’s concession to enforce the termination of its mining lease over alleged breaches.