Golden Star Resources (GSR) was recently awarded a prestigious Nedbank Capital Green Mining award in recognition of the creation of and continuing efforts on the Golden Star Oil Palm Plantation project (GSOPP). It isthe first non-South African company to receive a Nedbank Capital Green Mining award in any category. This award follows the July 30 transfer of 4-ha farm plots to each of the first group of 69 smallholders. GSR expects to have over 800 ha planted at the end of 2008 and aims on expanding to more than 4,000 ha in the next few years. Eventually, it is expected that GSOPP will provide more than 4,000 new jobs in the Western Region of Ghana and produce more than 60,000 t/y of fresh fruit bunches as feed for the local palm oil processors.
Tom Mair, President and CEO said: “We are very proud of this recognition from Nedbank Capital for our innovative oil palm project in Ghana. Thanks to the efforts of our GSOPP personnel we have gained the support of the local farmers and chiefs and to receive wider global approval of our efforts is very gratifying. This project is still in its infancy but we are gaining traction and look forward to GSOPP’s expansion and continued success.”
Golden Star holds a 90% equity interest in Golden Star (Bogoso/Prestea) Ltd and Golden Star (Wassa) Ltd, which respectively own the Bogoso/Prestea and Wassa open-pit gold mines and the Hwini-Butre and Benso properties in Ghana. In addition, Golden Star has an 81% interest in the currently inactive Prestea Underground mine in Ghana, as well as gold exploration interests elsewhere in Ghana, in other parts of West Africa and in the Guiana Shield of South America.