NAIMOS expands crackdown on illegal mining equipment supply network

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is ramping up efforts to combat illegal mining in the Western and Eastern Regions, specifically targeting operations in forest reserves, farmlands, and near vital water sources. On October 29, three separate operations yielded significant results, with 11 suspected illegal miners apprehended and crucial mining equipment destroyed.

At Cape Three Points Forest in Ahanta West, NAIMOS forces dismantled four chanfang machines, seven water pumps, and apprehended four alleged offenders, later turning them over to the police for further scrutiny. Following up on these findings, another site was discovered where miners had fled before the Task Force arrived, resulting in the destruction of three additional chanfang machines, four water pumps, and four makeshift structures. Additionally, a vital excavator component was recovered.

In Wassa Amenfi East, Abrokyire-Krobo, a NAIMOS Task Force raided an illegal mining site as miners scattered upon spotting operators. The raid dismantled five chanfang machines, five water pumps, seven generator plants, and two makeshift structures. Further recovered equipment included an additional chanfang machine and water pump.

In the Eastern Region, in Abuakwa South, NAIMOS targeted illegal mining operations near the Birim River and Atiwa Forest Reserve. The operation led to the arrest of seven suspected miners and destruction of two chanfang machines, three water pumps, and three makeshift structures.