afrol News, 14 February - Gambian authorities have launched an investigation into the operations of an Australian mining firm, Carnegie Minerals, in their country.

The cancellation of the company's licence and the arrest of its British Manager has also been confirmed by the government. Charles Northfield is believed to be aiding Gambian police in their investigation.

Carnegie officials were on 15 January 2008 given a 24-hour ultimatum to "come clean" on their company's activities in the country or else face expulsion. They had been ordered to furnish the Gambian public about the quantity of mined minerals, international price of exported tonnage and provide assay laboratory results.

The firm has been mining zircon and rutile in the Gambian coastal village of Sanyang. The products are then shipped to China.

The government that had earlier believed that the company could be exporting unreported minerals from the country, blamed Carnegie of supplying inadequate information on its Gambian operations.

The government said possible legal action would be instituted against the company when the need arises.

It has however promised to ensure that the employment of the company's local staff is guaranteed.

Carnegie officials said they had complied with all the terms of their mining licence in the West African country.

The company also holds interests in Niarafarang in Senegal, which holds up to five million tonnes of high-grade mineral sands and
heavy metals.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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