AngloGold Ashanti is expecting to resume underground ore mining at the Obuasi Gold Mine in Ghana by mid-October.
For the remainder of this year, underground ore will be used only to replenish the Run-of-Mine stockpile. Gold production from underground ore sources is therefore expected to re- commence only in January 2022. The safe ramp up to the full mining rate of 4,000 tons per day is expected to be achieved by the end of the first half of the 2022.
Underground mining activities at Obuasi were voluntarily suspended following a sill pillar failure on 18 May 2021 which resulted in the tragic loss of one of our colleagues. A detailed review of the mining and ground management plans has been conducted by a cross-functional internal team and supported by independent third-party, Australian Mining Consultants (AMC).
Following this review, a comprehensive series of protocols has been introduced to supplement existing operating procedures. The full suite of procedures ahead of the mining front now include the existing systematic probe drilling procedure, extensive use of technology, including Cavity Monitoring Systems and Cavity Auto Laser System, augmented with visual inspections to confirm the position and status of backfill in previously mined areas. The new paste-fill plant has been commissioned and its reticulation system is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
These protocols, which have been integrated into the Mine Operating System, will be bolstered by scheduled audits to ensure the accuracy and diligence in probe drilling, and the intended implementation of the revised plan. AMC will continue its review of future mining areas. During the review period, underground development and work related to the Obuasi Redevelopment Project continued to progress, with Phase 2 construction substantially complete at the end of June 2021.
Phase 3 of the project, which relates principally to extended capital expenditure to refurbish existing infrastructure around the KMS Shaft, as well as to service the mine in deeper production areas, has progressed during this period and will continue as planned through to the end of 2023.
Obuasi Gold Mine is one of the world’s largest gold ore bodies, with 29.5Moz of Mineral Resource, at an average grade of 7.64 grams per tonne and 8.7Moz of Ore Reserve at an average grade of 8.6 grams per tonne.
Obuasi, an underground operation, mining to a depth of 1,500m, is in the Ashanti region, approximately 60km south of Kumasi. The mine currently employs 850 staff and 3,360 contractors, with about 97.5% of all positions filled by Ghanaians.
Obuasi was in limited operations in 2015, and on care and maintenance from 2016 to the start of its redevelopment in mid-2018, following the receipt of the requisite approvals from the Government of Ghana. The first face blast took place in February 2019 with first gold poured in December 2019.
Phase 1 of the redevelopment project was completed by end September 2020 and began commercial production on 1 October 2020. Phase 2, construction and mine development was substantially completed at the end of June.
The mine has played a key role in the fight against COVID-19 in the Obuasi area, providing healthcare facilities for the community as well as personal protective equipment, sanitiser, handwashing facilities and public education to help contain the virus outbreak.
For further information please visit: https://www.anglogoldashanti.com/
