There was spontaneous joy in the catchment communities of Adamus Resources Limited over the weekend as news spread of the government’s decision to revoke the company’s mining lease.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced on Sunday, April 26, 2026, that the lease had been cancelled following several breaches of mining regulations by Adamus Resources Ltd., which has operated in the Ellembelle District since 2007.
For residents of communities like Salman, Akango, and Anwia, the announcement was the answer to years of frustration.
Yacoub Abdul Aziz, the Assembly member for the Salman Electoral Area – the largest among the catchment communities – did not hide his excitement.
“We gathered here just to show appreciation to the government and the Lands Ministry for their commitment toward the Adamus issue,” he told our news team. “We are so happy about the revocation of the Adamus mining lease because, in terms of Adamus, there is no efficiency of benefits from them.
“The company has been operating since 2007, but it will be difficult for me to point to one project in my electoral area. I cannot point it out. And so, we are so happy, and we are calling on the government to hand over the company to those who are capable of operating this mine.”
His words were echoed by community members who had gathered in small groups, singing and clapping as the news team arrived.
Adolf Ngoah, a former assembly member of one of the catchment communities, said the revocation had been a long-time dream.
“Three days ago, we heard in the news that Adamus Resources’ mining lease had been revoked. We are so happy that this has finally come to pass. It has been our wish – for those of us in the catchment communities, especially Salman, Akango, and Anwia, and others.
“All we can say is that we thank the government. We are solidly behind the government, and we are going to mobilize the needed resources to support them so that everything being done will benefit the catchment communities.”
He also raised the issue of unemployment among the youth.
“As we speak, there are a lot of youth in the catchment area who are unable to get employment with the company,” he said.
For many residents, the revocation represents more than just a regulatory action – it is a matter of survival and fairness. Community leaders say the company operated for nearly two decades without bringing visible development to the area.
“We are fully behind the Ministry’s decision,” one elder said. “This has been our wish over the years.”
However, a visit by 3news team to the company’s site revealed a curious situation.
Although the government has officially revoked the mining lease, Adamus Resources Limited appears to be still operating. Our reporters observed a noticeable increase in security presence at various checkpoints leading to the facility.
Each checkpoint was manned by three layers of security: one military officer, one police officer, and a company security guard.
It remains unclear under what arrangement the company is continuing activities despite the revocation. Efforts to reach officials of Adamus Resources Limited for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Despite the lingering questions, the mood in the host communities remains one of celebration and hope.
Residents are now calling on the government to reassign the mining lease to a responsible investor, one that will operate in the interest of local people and the nation as a whole.
“We are ready to support the government to make sure the next company brings real benefits,” Adolf Ngoah added. “Not just for us, but for the youth who have been left out for too long.”
By Ebenezer Atiemo
