AGL Leaders Rally Against Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day 2025, Showcase Concrete Action

Acting Unit Manager for Environment, Desmond Asare, opened the commemoration by reaffirming AGL's "steadfast commitment to sustainable environmental stewardship," emphasizing its vital role for current and future generations. He highlighted plastic pollution as "one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time," detailing its pervasive infiltration into ecosystems, biodiversity, the food chain, and human health via microplastics in air, water, and soil."World Environment Day catalyzes environmental consciousness," Asare stated, positioning it as a platform to deepen understanding, promote sustainable behaviour, and strengthen commitments. He outlined AGL's core strategy, built on the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and principles of waste minimization, resource recovery, and circular economy integration.

Tangible Results and Internal Action:
Asare reported significant progress: “Over the past five years, AGL has diverted approximately 871 tonnes of recyclable plastic from landfill." This achievement, realized through rigorous segregation, collection, and transfer to authorized recyclers, delivers multiple benefits:
* Job Creation: Recycling partnerships generate employment.
* Community Investment: Revenue from plastic sales supports the GoldFields Foundation for community development.
Environmental Goals: Contributes to greenhouse gas reduction, landfill diversion targets, and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 12 - Responsible Consumption, SDG 13 - Climate Action, SDG 14 - Life Below Water).
Operational Efficiency: Implementation of source separation systems enhances recycling rates and reduces contamination risks.Community Engagement and Systemic Change
Echoing the need for broader action, Asare emphasized AGL's outreach: "Beyond the fence line, AGL actively engages local communities through public environmental education initiatives." These programs promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, like reusable materials and bio-based packaging. He stressed that tackling plastic pollution requires a "multisectoral approach," pledging AGL's commitment to supporting progressive regulations and collaborative initiatives. "The fight against plastic pollution... is a shared responsibility that calls for continuous commitment and collective action," Asare concluded.

Ghana's Plastic Crisis and AGL's Localized Response
Acting Operations Manager Frank Dankyi Agyei provided stark context for Ghana, noting the country generates "approximately 1 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, but only 5% is recycled." He painted a vivid picture of the local impact: drains clogged, causing floods, contaminated water bodies, microplastics in the food chain, hazardous health risks from additives, and damage to tourism from littered beaches and natural areas. "Here in Ghana and particularly in our local mining communities, we see firsthand the consequences of unmanaged plastic waste," Agyei stated.

He detailed AGL's specific, localized actions:
1.  Site-Wide Reduction Policy: Targeting significant cuts in single-use plastics.
2.  Enhanced Segregation: Colour-coded bins deployed across the mine site and residential areas.
3. Recycling Partnerships: Ensuring collected plastics are repurposed locally, avoiding landfills and water bodies.
4. Sustainable Procurement: Supply chain prioritizes vendors using eco-friendly packaging.
5. Material Innovation: Actively exploring plastic alternatives for packaging and logistics.
6. Community Awareness: Campaigns educating residents on plastic dangers and promoting local innovations like reusable bags. "Empowering the community leads to long-term change," Agyei asserted.A Call to Collective Action 
Both leaders united in emphasizing that beating plastic pollution demands sustained, collective effort beyond corporate initiatives. Agyei challenged everyone: "Will you bring your reusable bag? Will you sort your waste correctly? Will you speak up when you see harmful practices?" He urged moving beyond mere compliance to building a legacy of environmental stewardship. "Let us mark World Environment Day not only with words but with meaningful action... Together we can do it."

Asare closed with a forward-looking vision: "Together, we can create a future where our natural environment is free from plastic pollution... ensuring a legacy of sustainability for generations to come. Let us act today, for a cleaner, greener tomorrow."

AGL's World Environment Day event underscored the mining company's recognition of its environmental footprint and its active, results-driven approach to mitigating plastic pollution, positioning it as a stakeholder committed to ecological responsibility within Ghana's critical mining sector.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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