Analysis of the Beposo Tailings Storage Facility Incident in Ghana

The Environmental Protection Authority in Ghana reported an environmental incident at the Beposo Tailings Storage Facility, involving a release of 80,000 cubic meters of water. Inconsistencies between EPA statements and satellite imagery raise questions about the incident’s impact and emergency protocols. Further investigation is essential for clarity regarding this incident.

On February 27, 2025, the Environmental Protection Authority of Ghana reported an “environmental incident” at the Beposo Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) linked to the AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine. The incident involved an alleged release of approximately 80,000 cubic meters of water from the TSF on February 17, 2025. The event has garnered attention, particularly from Lindsay Newland Bowker on LinkedIn, amid a lack of concrete information on the situation.

The Beposo TSF is anticipated to commence operations in 2023, coinciding with the decommissioning of the Greenfields TSF. Satellite imagery captured by Planet on January 27, 2025, suggests significant alteration in the site; however, the imagery from the date of the spill shows no visible signs of failure. A contrasting image from March 3, 2025, reveals what appears to be a plume of material extending across the fields northeast of the TSF.

Moreover, discrepancies exist between the Ghana EPA’s report and the satellite images regarding the timing and scale of the water release. It is plausible that the polluted water impacted an area larger than that which is depicted in the images, or that the plume observed may not correlate with the claimed incident. The Ghana EPA’s communication stated that the seepage was contained through a coffer dam, with the supernatant water diverted to an emergency pond, the specifics of which remain unclear.

Questions are raised regarding the current condition of the area, alongside the emergency measures taken, leaving room for speculation regarding the true extent of the incident. Understanding the mining operations involved might shed light on the observed changes in the satellite imagery.

In summary, the Beposo TSF incident has raised significant concerns about environmental safety following the release of water from the facility. The preliminary reports from the Ghana EPA present inconsistencies with satellite images, provoking questions regarding the actual impact and emergency measures taken. Continued scrutiny is necessary to ensure clarity and accountability in mining operations and their environmental safeguards.

Original Source: eos.org