GoldCoast GRC: Offshore reconnaissance not commercial mining

GoldCoast GRC Ghana Limited has stated that its proposed non-invasive scientific reconnaissance activities should not be confused with commercial offshore gold mining, which would require separate regulatory approvals.

This comes as GoldCoast intensifies its stakeholder engagement with traditional authorities and coastal communities along the western corridor as part of its proposed offshore reconnaissance programme.

The engagements seek to clarify the scope of the company's scientific data collection and environmental baseline studies, address stakeholder concerns and reinforce its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.

The company says its Marine Scientific Reconnaissance and Environmental Management Programme is designed to investigate Ghana's offshore mineral potential through scientific, non-invasive survey methods while generating environmental and socio-economic data to inform responsible future decision-making for the Government of Ghana.

Two days of engagements as part of a broader stakeholder consultation programme aimed at promoting transparency and strengthening community participation in the Ellembelle District and Jomoro Municipality brought together prominent traditional authorities, including the Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Blay IX, at Atuabo, and the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III, at Beyin, as well as traditional and community representatives at Esiama and Azuleloanu.

GoldCoast GRC's Environmental, Social and Governance Lead, Daniel Osei-Bonsu, said the reconnaissance programme was intended to gather preliminary scientific information to support further geological and environmental investigations.

He stressed that the proposed activities should not be mistaken for commercial offshore mining, which would require separate regulatory approvals.

Mr Osei-Bonsu said the company also envisioned establishing a Centre of Excellence for Offshore Marine Research to promote scientific collaboration, environmental monitoring and capacity development in Ghana.

The traditional leaders welcomed the company's decision to engage them directly and encouraged it to broaden and sustain the consultations to build confidence and mutual understanding among stakeholders.

They emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and transparency in addressing community concerns and ensuring that stakeholders are adequately informed about the proposed activities.

Some community members also expressed excitement about the engagement, while calling for improved livelihood opportunities and practical safeguards to protect fishing activities and the wider marine environment.

They said sustained engagement and measures to safeguard the interests of coastal communities would be important as the company progresses with its proposed scientific investigations.

The intensified engagements follow directives from the Minerals Commission for additional consultations with affected stakeholders across the company's ten offshore reconnaissance concessions.

GoldCoast GRC says the consultations form part of its efforts to promote transparency, strengthen stakeholder participation and address concerns surrounding its proposed scientific offshore activities.