FJ Minerals Limited Dismisses Misleading Claims by Kobeng Youth, Reaffirms Commitment to Responsible and Sustainable Mining

FJ Minerals Limited has strongly dismissed as false, misleading, and malicious a press release issued on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, by a group calling itself the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng.”

In a rejoinder issued by the company, FJ Minerals Limited stated that the said publication contains several fabrications and distortions aimed at discrediting the reputation of the company and inciting public disaffection against its lawful operations within the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

FJ Minerals Operates Legally Under Full Government Authorization

According to the management of FJ Minerals Limited, the company is a duly registered Ghanaian large-scale mining company operating under the laws of Ghana. It emphasized that it possesses all the requisite permits, licenses, and authorizations from the appropriate regulatory bodies, including the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Water Resources Commission, and the Forestry Commission, for its exploration and mining activities.

The company listed its valid operational documents as follows:

A Mining Lease granted by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on 21st June 2023;

An Entry Permit issued by the Forestry Commission on 16th June 2025;

A Water Use Permit issued by the Water Resources Commission on 27th February 2025; and

An Environmental Permit granted by the Environmental Protection Agency on 4th September 2024.

FJ Minerals Limited therefore stressed that its operations are lawful and consistent with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Acts 900 and 995, and also in line with Ghana’s environmental and safety regulations.

Environmental Protection and Compliance

The company reiterated that it remains fully committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. It noted that before the commencement of its project, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted and duly approved by the EPA.

FJ Minerals Limited said it has since been adhering strictly to the terms of its environmental permit, ensuring that no harmful substances such as mercury or cyanide are used in its operations. The company also carries out routine environmental monitoring and has instituted a land reclamation plan in accordance with EPA and Forestry Commission guidelines.

“All our activities are monitored regularly by the EPA and Minerals Commission to ensure full compliance with Ghana’s mining and environmental standards,” the statement added.

Community Engagement and Social Commitment

Contrary to claims that the company has ignored the Kobeng community, FJ Minerals Limited explained that it has consistently engaged with the chiefs, elders, and opinion leaders of Kobeng and surrounding communities through several consultative meetings since the start of its operations.

Management emphasized that the company believes in fostering strong partnerships with its host communities through open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration.

In line with this commitment, FJ Minerals Limited disclosed that it has supported local development initiatives, offered employment opportunities to residents, and undertaken road rehabilitation and other forms of community assistance as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program.

False Allegations of Intimidation and Armed Guards

The company also denied claims made by the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng” that it had engaged armed land guards or intimidated local farmers.

“FJ Minerals Limited has never employed or sponsored any land guards to harass or threaten members of the community,” the rejoinder clarified. “The company only employs licensed private security personnel who operate strictly within the law to protect its concession from illegal miners and encroachers whose activities threaten the environment and lawful mining operations.”

Management further urged any individuals or groups with grievances to seek redress through lawful and appropriate channels rather than resorting to public misinformation.

Misrepresentation About Company Ownership

Addressing references in the publication to an individual known as “Burger,” FJ Minerals Limited stated that the person mentioned has no ownership or managerial role in the company.

The rejoinder emphasized that FJ Minerals Limited is a registered corporate entity governed by a legitimate Board of Directors under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), and its ownership and leadership structure are publicly verifiable at the Office of the Registrar of Companies.

The company further clarified that it has not yet commenced actual mining activities on any part of its legally acquired concession but has rather taken steps to prevent illegal mining activities within its operational area.

“These falsehoods being spread by a few individuals do not reflect the true opinions of the people of Kobeng,” the company stated. “Their actions are merely a reaction to security measures taken by the company to prevent illegal mining (galamsey) on its legally leased concession.”

Call for Calm and Cooperation

FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, lawful operation, and community development. The company invited the general public, the media, and state regulatory bodies such as the Minerals Commission, EPA, and Forestry Commission to independently verify its permits and compliance records.

Management of FJ Minerals Limited expressed confidence that such verification would expose the baseless nature of the allegations made by the so-called “Concerned Youth of Kobeng.”

The company also appealed to residents and stakeholders in the Kobeng area to remain calm and continue to support its legitimate efforts to contribute to local and national development through responsible mining practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FJ Minerals Limited assured that it will continue to conduct its operations transparently, within the framework of Ghanaian laws, and with a deep commitment to environmental protection and sustainable community partnership.

“We urge the public to disregard the false and misleading claims made against FJ Minerals Limited,” the statement concluded. “We remain open to dialogue, collaboration, and lawful engagement for the mutual benefit of the Kobeng community and the nation at large.”

Signed:

Management of FJ Minerals Limited

FJ Minerals Limited

Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, Ashanti Region, Ghana.