Heath Goldfields Limited has confirmed the death of three illegal miners who entered its Prestea concession located in the Western Region.
The victims were allegedly trapped in an inactive underground section of the mine after they accessed restricted areas through unauthorised routes.
Their fatalities follow extensive reports in the Bogoso-Prestea enclave, indicating that as many as 11 illegal miners, locally referred to as galamseyers, might have been trapped after portions of an abandoned mine collapsed over the weekend.
In a statement released on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Heath Goldfields Ltd. conveyed profound sorrow regarding the incident and offered condolences to the families and the Prestea community.
“Every loss of life, regardless of circumstance, is painful, and we stand with the affected families in grief and sympathy,” the company stated.
The mining company indicated that it is fully cooperating with the Ghana Police Service, the Minerals Commission, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) as investigations and recovery efforts are ongoing.
It also praised the prompt and professional response of emergency teams.
FGR formerly managed the mine in question until its license was revoked in February 2024.
Although the concession is currently inactive, it is believed that illegal miners have gained access to abandoned underground tunnels through restricted passages.
Some residents assert that the miners may have suffocated after dense smoke—thought to have originated from an explosion—filled the tunnel.
Heath Goldfields has reiterated its commitment to stringent safety and security measures throughout its concessions.
“As a responsible mining company, Heath Goldfields Ltd. remains committed to the highest standards of safety… We continue to implement stringent security and safety protocols across all our concessions,” the statement added.
The company also assured stakeholders—including traditional authorities, regulators, partners, and residents—of its commitment to responsible mining and community engagement.
Its community relations team is collaborating with local leaders to assist affected families and provide updates.
