Chifeng Gold’s Golden Star Announces Return to Benso Mine After 2023 Attack, Citing Rising Gold Prices and Enhanced Security

The announcement was made by Gerrard Boakye, Group Manager of Corporate Affairs, during a stakeholder engagement session, where he underscored lessons learned from the 2023 crisis and the company’s readiness to resume operations.  

Return to Benso: A Strategic Revival  
Boakye confirmed that mining activities will resume imminently, with ore extraction and milling expected to begin within days. “It’s more certain than not—probably this week—we will start mining at Benso,” he stated. The company has invested “several million dollars” in recent months to conduct extensive drilling and establish baseline data critical to restarting operations. “We’ve done a lot of drilling, and that alone cost millions. Now, we’re ready,” Boakye added.  

The decision to return, he explained, was heavily influenced by rising gold prices. “When market conditions improve, previously challenging sites become viable. Our costs may stay the same, but higher gold prices justify reactivating these pits,” he said, referencing dormant areas of the Benso mine.  

 Recovering from the 2023 Crisis

The Benso Concession was abruptly shuttered in March 2023 after over 100 illegal miners stormed the site, overpowering security personnel and torching 22 dump trucks, 12 light vehicles, offices, and a core shed containing irreplaceable geological reference materials. Local contractors, including Edgate Mining Services and Yellow Power, also saw their equipment vandalized.  

“The attack was unexpected and devastating,” Boakye recalled. While the total financial loss remains uncalculated, each destroyed dump truck cost approximately $478,000. The incident forced Golden Star to halt operations indefinitely, citing safety concerns. At the time, management vowed to reopen only when security could be assured.  

 Community Relations: From Conflict to Collaboration  

Boakye acknowledged strained relations with the Benso community post-attack but emphasized efforts to rebuild trust. “We’ve done several engagements to explain our return. The community’s acceptance is a good start,” he said. While stopping short of admitting fault, he noted, “We’ve learned from our challenges. This time, we’re prepared.”  

The company has implemented “all necessary measures” to deter illegal miners—referred to wryly as “unnamed friends”—including heightened security protocols, surveillance, and community awareness programs. “There will be trucks and people moving again, but we’re ready to contain disruptions,” Boakye asserted.  

 Economic Drivers and Future Risks  
With gold prices near historic highs, Golden Star aims to capitalize on favorable market conditions. Operations will initially focus on extracting ore from existing pits, with milling to follow swiftly. However, risks linger. Illegal mining remains a pervasive issue in Ghana, accounting for over 30% of the country’s gold production, according to recent government reports.  

Boakye expressed cautious optimism: “We’ve turned a corner, but vigilance is key.” The company’s ability to sustain operations will depend on both security measures and maintaining community support.  

The relaunch at Benso serves as a critical test for Golden Star and the country’s broader mining sector, which has grappled with balancing foreign investment, local interests, and illegal activity. Should the mine operate smoothly, it could signal a blueprint for resolving similar conflicts nationwide.  

For now, all eyes are on Benso as trucks rumble back to life—a symbol of resilience in an industry where risk and reward are inextricably linked.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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