Shama explosion: Company’s operation was illegal – Minerals Commission

The Anto-Aboso quarry site where an explosion took four lives and wounded others was being operated illegally, according to the Minerals Commission.

The firm, which goes by the name Sta Addsams Enterprise, submitted an application for a Restricted Mining Lease for a granite quarry, according to a statement from the Commission.

“The recommendation for the company to be considered for the grant of a formal lease was granted on 20 March 2023. At the time of the explosion, the company had not issued a lease by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources,” the Commission said in a statement.

The residential facility for the corporation, which contained houses and containerized constructions, was where the explosion occurred, according to the Commission among other things.

Upon investigation, the crew discovered empty drums that were thought to have formerly held oxy-acetylene cylinders, cigarettes, various lubricants, and diesel.

“The administrator of the enterprise informed the inspectors that the company was working at night ostensibly to prevent them from being noticed by the inspectors of the Commission and the local task force comprising the police and members of the sand winners and quarry Association,” the statement added.

The explosion reportedly happened at the G-Omini Quarry quarry site in the Shama.

Many night shift employees, some of whom were burned beyond recognition, were reportedly from Ghana and China.

The employees were murdered when the explosives, which were purportedly held in an unsecured storage facility without an authorization, exploded.

In addition to the deaths and injuries, the explosion seriously damaged the quarry.

The Minerals Commission has stated that a thorough study of the explosion’s cause is ongoing.