Ministry to probe allegations about conditions at Aurora gold mines

The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning says it is aware of several videos currently circulating on the Facebook page Team Mohamed’s, involving the Chinese-owned company Zijin Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc., specifically concerning workers’ health and safety, wages, and salary increases and it has instructed that an immediate probe be done.

The Ministry said in statement that no formal complaints regarding these issues had been submitted previously. This is the first time such concerns have come to its attention through public circulation, and we will address them, the ministry said in a statement.

The release said that Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith has instructed the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into the allegations presented in the videos. The Ministry said that it will consult all relevant parties to gather facts and determine the appropriate course of action.

Regarding the video on wages, salaries, and fringe benefits, the Minister encouraged all interested parties, including both employees and employers, to visit the Ministry to initiate a peaceful conciliation process, in line with the country’s Labour Act, which aims to ensure that both parties are satisfied following its conclusion.

Griffith reiterated that while the Labour Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act provide the legal framework governing employer-employee relations, workplace safety, and dispute resolution, the Ministry remains dedicated to strengthening protections and ensuring compliance across all sectors.

Zijin operates a gold mine at Aurora in Region Seven.