UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited has dismissed reports that the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has shut down its mining operations, insisting that it remains compliant with regulatory requirements despite delays in the issuance of an environmental permit
In a press release dated October 18, 2026, the mining company described the reports, attributed to a tabloid publication known as Media Without Borders, as false and urged stakeholders and the general public to disregard claims that its operations had been closed
The company maintained that it currently holds a valid environmental permit issued by the EPA and has completed an application for its renewal, which it says will be submitted before the existing permit expires
According to Earl International, the delay in the issuance of the permit was caused by internal administrative challenges at the EPA, which allegedly affected several mining companies across the country
The company stated that since 2023, it had submitted its environmental permit applications, completed the required processes and made the necessary payments in accordance with regulatory procedures and before the expiration of its permits
EPA Audit: Company Says Infractions Have Been Rectified
Addressing concerns arising from a nationwide environmental audit of mining companies, Earl International said it had complied with directives issued by the EPA and immediately rectified all identified infractions
The company disclosed that construction of an engineered Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) is ongoing under the supervision of the relevant regulatory authorities
A properly engineered TSF is an important facility for the safe containment and management of mining waste, making its construction a key environmental compliance issue for mining operations
Earl International also stated that it posted a reclamation bond in March 2024 and paid an administrative fine imposed over infractions identified during the environmental audit in April 2026
On building permits, the company said permits for ongoing projects had been obtained, while others remained at various stages of issuance
It further insisted that all its compliance records with the EPA were up to date
Company Directs Public to EPA Over Closure Notice
Despite dismissing the reports of a shutdown, Earl International directed inquiries concerning the purported closure notice in circulation to the EPA
The company reiterated its commitment to working with the environmental regulator and adhering to stipulated regulatory requirements to ensure environmental safety
However, the company’s statement represents its own account of the situation. Independent confirmation from the EPA would be necessary to establish the precise regulatory status of its operations and clarify whether any closure notice or other enforcement directive has been issued
EPA’s Position Remains Key
The controversy places renewed attention on environmental regulation and accountability in Ghana’s mining sector, where compliance with permit conditions, the safe management of mining waste and the rehabilitation of mined lands remain important public-interest issues
While Earl International has rejected claims that its operations have been shut down, the EPA’s position will be crucial in resolving the conflicting accounts
Attached are the necessary documents
Source – gbcuraonline.com
