FJ Minerals Limited Denies Illegal Mining Accusations, Calls for Truth and Transparency in Kobeng Allegations

FJ Minerals Limited has firmly denied the series of false and misleading allegations leveled against it by a group identifying itself as the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng,” following a press release the group issued on Tuesday, 11th November 2025.

In a detailed rejoinder issued by the company, FJ Minerals Limited described the publication as “entirely untrue, malicious, and intended to tarnish the reputation of the company and mislead the general public and relevant authorities.”

Lawful Operation and Regulatory Compliance

FJ Minerals Limited stated emphatically that it is a legally registered Ghanaian company duly licensed by the Minerals Commission of Ghana and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to undertake large-scale mining operations within a designated concession area in and around the boundaries of the Jimira Forest Reserve.

The company emphasized that its operations are not illegal, as alleged by the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng,” explaining that all its activities are carried out in full compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its subsequent amendments — Acts 900 and 995 — as well as the Environmental Protection Act and all operational guidelines issued by the Forestry Commission and the EPA.

FJ Minerals Limited went on to list the official state-issued licenses and permits under which it operates, as follows:

1. A Mining Lease issued in favour of FJ Minerals Limited by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, dated 21st June 2023.

2. An Entry Permit granted by the Forestry Commission, dated 16th June 2025.

3. A Water Use Permit issued by the Water Resources Commission, dated 27th February 2025.

4. An Environmental Permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, dated 4th September 2024.

“These documents are verifiable proof that FJ Minerals Limited operates lawfully and responsibly within the framework of Ghanaian mining and environmental laws,” the company noted.

Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining

FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare, describing these as the foundation of its operational principles.

The company disclosed that prior to the commencement of any activity, it completed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which was reviewed and approved by the EPA. In line with regulatory standards, the company has implemented ongoing land reclamation programs, environmental rehabilitation initiatives, and strict environmental monitoring systems to prevent any form of water or soil contamination.

The rejoinder also emphasized that FJ Minerals Limited does not use harmful chemicals such as mercury or cyanide in its operations. All measures, the company said, are verifiable and regularly inspected by the EPA and Minerals Commission.

Community Relations and Social Responsibility

Responding to claims that it had failed to engage the Kobeng community, the company clarified that it has held multiple stakeholder meetings with chiefs, elders, and youth representatives from Kobeng and surrounding communities since the inception of its project.

“Our relationship with the community has always been guided by mutual respect, transparency, and collaboration,” the statement added.

FJ Minerals Limited highlighted some of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which include:

Support for community road rehabilitation works,

Provision of employment opportunities for local youth, and

Periodic donations towards community development projects.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication and partnerships with all stakeholders in the Kobeng area.

Allegations of Intimidation and Armed Guards

On allegations that the company had deployed armed land guards or harassed farmers, FJ Minerals Limited described those claims as “completely baseless and defamatory.”

The company explained that it employs only licensed private security officers, who operate strictly within the law to protect company property from illegal miners and trespassers who pose serious security and environmental risks.

“At no point has FJ Minerals Limited authorized the intimidation or harassment of any community member,” the rejoinder stated. “Any individual with genuine grievances is encouraged to seek redress through lawful channels.”

Misrepresentation of Ownership

FJ Minerals Limited also debunked the claim that its operations were linked to an individual known as “Burger,” clarifying that this was a false and misleading representation.

“FJ Minerals Limited is a registered corporate entity governed by a Board of Directors and operates under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992),” the company stated. “Our ownership structure and management are publicly verifiable through the Registrar of Companies.”

The company further clarified that it has not yet commenced mining activities on any portion of the concession allocated to it by the state. The misrepresentations being circulated, it noted, are not reflective of the views of the majority of Kobeng residents, but rather the actions of a few individuals reacting negatively to the company’s lawful security measures taken to prevent illegal mining (galamsey) on its concession.

Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration

FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its openness to independent verification by the EPA, Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, and the media to confirm the truth of its statements and operations.

“We welcome any lawful investigation and are confident that such processes will expose the falsehoods being circulated,” the company said. “We caution the authors of the misleading press release to desist from further defamatory publications and instead engage through proper dialogue and established community structures.”

Conclusion

FJ Minerals Limited concluded its rejoinder by reaffirming its commitment to operate in full compliance with Ghanaian laws, guided by principles of transparency, environmental protection, and respect for its host communities.l

“We urge the general public, media, and all stakeholders to disregard the false publication by the so-called ‘Concerned Youth of Kobeng’ and to seek clarification directly from the relevant state agencies or from our company,” the statement emphasized.

FJ Minerals Limited assured that it remains steadfast in promoting responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and community development in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana.

Signed:

Management of FJ Minerals Limited

Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality,

Ashanti Region – Ghana.