The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have apprehended two Chinese nationals allegedly conducting unauthorised mining operations.

The arrests of Li Yongjin and Nou Chin Haw took place this past Saturday at a site in Pankese, within the Birim North District. A specially deployed task force caught the duo in the act of carrying out the destructive excavations, which authorities say have ravaged vast tracts of forest and cocoa plantations in the area.

The environmental toll of the illegal activity is significant, with reports indicating severe contamination of local water sources, including the vital Birim River.

“Upon interception, the suspects were actively engaged in the illicit mining, which has caused extensive damage to both the ecology and the livelihoods dependent on these lands,” a NAIMOS representative stated.

In a move to instantly halt further destruction, the task force disabled two excavators on-site by removing critical components. The Secretariat cited the logistical challenge of securing immediate heavy transport as the reason for this immobilisation tactic.

The operation also saw the demolition of various mining equipment and the burning of makeshift camps erected to facilitate the unlawful enterprise. A Toyota Tundra pickup truck, registered as AS 8120–20 and suspected to be used by the miners, was impounded.