FJ Minerals Limited Issues Rejoinder to False Kobeng Youth Claims, Says All Operations Are Backed by State Permits

FJ Minerals Limited has issued a strong rejoinder to a press release dated Tuesday, 11th November 2025, by a group identifying itself as the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng,” describing their claims as false, misleading, and malicious.

According to the mining company, the allegations made against its operations within the Jimira area of the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality are entirely untrue and appear to be an attempt to tarnish the company’s hard-earned reputation and mislead the general public and relevant authorities.

Lawful Operation and Regulatory Compliance

In the rejoinder, FJ Minerals Limited categorically stated 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 fully legal and conducted in strict compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its amendments (Act 900 and Act 995), the Environmental Protection Act, and all operational and safety guidelines issued by the Forestry Commission and EPA.

FJ Minerals Limited detailed the following official state-issued licenses and permits under which it operates:

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 issued by the Forestry Commission, dated 16th June 2025.

3. A Water Use Permit issued in favour of FJ Minerals Limited 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 prove that our operations are lawful and in conformity with all the necessary state regulatory standards,” the company stated.

Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining

FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed that environmental protection and sustainability remain at the core of its operations. The company indicated that before commencing any form of activity, it completed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which was reviewed and approved by the EPA.

In line with regulatory requirements, the company has:

Implemented ongoing land reclamation and environmental rehabilitation programs;

Prohibited the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide;

Maintained strict environmental monitoring to prevent any form of soil or water contamination.

“These measures are verifiable and subject to regular inspections by the EPA and the Minerals Commission,” the statement added.

Community Relations and Social Responsibility

FJ Minerals Limited dismissed as false the claim that it has failed to engage the community. The company clarified that it has held multiple engagement meetings with the chiefs, elders, and youth representatives of Kobeng and nearby communities since the inception of its project.

The company further highlighted its contributions to local development through various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including:

Support for community road rehabilitation works;

Creation of employment opportunities for local youth; and

Periodic donations to aid community development projects.

“FJ Minerals Limited remains committed to maintaining open dialogue and mutual respect with all stakeholders in the Kobeng area,” the statement said.

False Allegations of Intimidation and Use of Armed Guards

Addressing allegations that it had deployed armed land guards or harassed farmers, the company described the claims as “completely baseless and defamatory.”

The rejoinder explained that the company employs only licensed private security officers, who operate strictly within the law to safeguard company property from illegal miners and trespassers who pose both security and environmental threats.

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

Misrepresentation About Ownership

FJ Minerals Limited also refuted claims made in the Kobeng youth’s statement that linked its ownership or operations to an individual known as “Burger.”

“The reference to an individual known as ‘Burger’ as the owner or operator of FJ Minerals Limited is inaccurate,” the company clarified. “FJ Minerals Limited is a registered corporate entity governed by a Board of Directors and subject to Ghana’s Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992). The company’s ownership and leadership structure are publicly verifiable through the Registrar of Companies.”

Clarification on Operations

The company further stated that it has not yet commenced mining activities on any portion of its legally allocated concession. It explained that the false claims circulating are not the opinions of the majority of Kobeng residents but rather a reaction from a few individuals displeased with the company’s lawful security measures to prevent illegal and unregulated mining (galamsey) within its concession.

Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration

FJ Minerals Limited reiterated that it remains open to independent verification by state authorities, including the EPA, Minerals Commission, and Forestry Commission, as well as the media, to ascertain the truth of its operations.

“We welcome any lawful investigation and are confident that such processes will expose the falsehoods being circulated,” the company stated.

The rejoinder also cautioned the authors of the misleading press release to desist from further defamatory publications and to engage the company through proper dialogue and recognized community structures.

Conclusion

FJ Minerals Limited assured the general public, media, and all stakeholders that it continues to operate in full accordance with Ghanaian laws, guided by the principles of transparency, environmental consciousness, and community respect.

“We urge the general public and 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 our company,” the statement concluded.

FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its unshakable commitment to 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.