The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has expanded its enforcement operations to target businesses and individuals supplying equipment for illegal mining, following the seizure of a truck carrying 22 new chanfang machines at Eshaem in the Western Region.
According to NAIMOS, the operation, conducted as part of Operation WATER SHIELD, led to the destruction of 28 chanfang machines, 19 water pumps and five makeshift structures used for illegal mining along the Eshaem road towards the Ankobra River. NAIMOS said the operation formed part of efforts to disrupt the supply chains that enable illegal miners to replace machinery destroyed during enforcement exercises.
The Secretariat warned that individuals and businesses knowingly supplying or transporting equipment for illegal mining could face investigations and appropriate action where links to the activity are established.