Anglogold Ashanti estimates mining at Obuasi could restart by end of 2021

AngloGold Ashanti estimates mining could restart at its Obuasi Mine by year-end, with a ramp-up to previously planned production levels through the course of 2022.

“We are focused on understanding and dealing with the current issues and resuming the ramp-up as soon as possible,” said Eric Asubonteng, Managing Director of Obuasi Gold Mine. “Obuasi remains an excellent asset and an important one for us, as a company, for the community and for Ghana as a whole.”

In a statement, AngloGold Ashanti said it was continuing underground development and important work related to the Obuasi Redevelopment Project, while a detailed review of the mine plan is conducted in the coming months.

It said work has resumed in the ODD Decline and in several development headings. Diamond drilling, service functions and underground construction, among other activities, have also resumed.

“Underground stoping activities, halted after a fall-of-ground incident on May 18, remain suspended pending the conclusion of the review and implementation of recommendations from an investigation into the incident,” the statement said.

AngloGold Ashanti remains firmly committed to the Obuasi Redevelopment Project, which will revive one of the world’s largest gold ore bodies and create a modern, mechanized mining operation over more than 20 years.

Employees and contractors will be engaged in the ongoing project development in the coming months, while AngloGold Ashanti will use the production stoppage to continue to train and develop skills of the workforce ahead of the restart.

As the investigation progresses and the assessment of working places advances, the Company will provide an update on the resumption of additional mining fronts.

“We remain committed as ever to responsibly operating this important ore body for the benefit of all stakeholders,” Asubonteng said.

“Obuasi has a long future ahead of it. It is important that we proceed deliberately and carefully as we complete our programme of checks and balances in each mining section.”

Before the suspension of underground mining activities at Obuasi, the mine produced 85,000oz in the first half of 2021 at a total cash cost of $999/oz and an All-in Sustaining Cost of $1,316/oz.