AngloGold Ashanti Limited The Obuasi Mine in Ghana has revealed that seven illegal miners who were among those supposed to be trapped in the mine shaft escaped on foot through the main access point and are now in the custody of the Ghana Police Service.
On Monday, May 29, many illegal miners were caught in one of the shafts of Anglogold Obuasi Mines in Anwiam, Ashanti Region.
Unauthorized personnel underground, according to the mining business, can depart on foot through the existing ramp through the main entry to this mining area.
No one has been imprisoned underground, and the mine's main evacuation ramp remains open.
The management team at Obuasi Gold Mine has alerted the appropriate authorities and public security services and is working closely with them, a statement they issued said.
"Yesterday, seven illegal miners exited through this main access point on foot and are in the custody of the Ghana Police Service.
Any unauthorized person underground is encouraged to leave the mine at any time by the exit points where public security personnel remain on standby.
"Intrusion of illegal miners into underground areas remains a significantly dangerous activity and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana is working alongside authorities to ensure that only authorized mine personnel and contractors can access underground work areas.
"The safety and security of our employees and community members remain our top priority and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana stands ready to provide any assistance required by the authorities in ensuring the safe exit of any unauthorized persons underground," a statement issued said.