PRO Gaye defends the reputable company operations, saying: “GACH mining is conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner, and that the company operations are done in line with best practices adhering to strict regulatory guidelines to protect local ecosystems.”
Gaye also refuted allegations made by Environmental Alliance PRO during his appearance on QTV program ‘This Morning’, saying: “I can certainly tell you that GACH company is one of the mining companies that are constantly adhering to mining best practices and also carrying out their corporate social responsibilities in all the places they are mining. Therefore, suggesting that the company mining activities are not in line with best practices are not only false, but equally misleading and unfounded.”
The Village Development Committees (VDC), he said, are the entry points of development in any communities according to the Local Gov’t ACT of 2002, stating: “Therefore, we are working closely with GACH in order to ensure that the mining that they are doing within their mining sites are done in line with best practices, which the company is doing.”
He further clarified: “I want to also strongly deny reports that GACH is paying salaries to the VDC chairperson or giving them bonuses. Our role is to work closely with mining companies, monitor their mining operations, where they do something that is not in line with best practise, we will inform them forthwith. We will never compromise anything that will in future affect our communities.
“Let me also say this: we do hold mining companies accountable especially on the issues of their corporate social responsibilities. Let me be also on record that GACH is also performing their duties when it comes to their corporate social responsibilities as Batokunku, Tujereng and Sanyang are all benefiting.
“We therefore call on all the media houses and environmental groups to cooperate with VDC for any meaningful information at the community level especially where the mining operations are taking place. Let me also emphasize that we will not hesitate to take legal action against any individuals or media houses or associations that are bent on tarnishing our reputation.”
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