Following an extensive review, AngloGold Ashanti embarked on a process late last year to modernise its Obuasi mine and reverse a long trend of declining production and rising costs. This project focused on the development of a new decline roadway system from surface to by-pass aged infrastructure and more efficiently access the mine?s current workings and the deeper, higher-grade areas of the ore body.
Work on establishing this new infrastructure is underway and is the necessary first step toward mechanising many of the mining development and production processes. This is expected to improve the mine?s operating performance in the medium term and ensure its viability in the long-term. This programme is crucial to ensuring not only that Obuasi makes an appropriate contribution to AngloGold Ashanti, but that it will also re-establish its vital role in the local, regional and national economy in Ghana.
The mechanisation process ? centred predominantly on the underground operations ? will require both AGA and contractor staff to be retrained to operate new equipment and in more productive and efficient work practices. The key enabler for this will be the introduction of an underground mining contractor with the requisite work methodology, equipment, staff and approach to training and multi-skilling.? A key requirement of this work will be the transfer of skill to the local workforce.? The transition to mechanisation will, regrettably, also result in a phased process of retrenchments over the coming two years due also to a combination of the decline in the gold price, increased overall labour cost and the increase in other input costs such as power, reagents and materials.
AngloGold Ashanti is mindful of the impact this process will have, though it remains necessary to create a sustainable operation that is able to sustain high-quality jobs and remit taxes to Ghana?s treasury for decades to come.? The immediate phase of restructuring will affect 430 roles at Obuasi over the coming three months. ?The communication of how this process will unfold has already commenced with employees and their representatives where applicable. AngloGold Ashanti?s priority is to ensure support is provided to the affected employees and their families during this difficult period.
?We are committed to laying solid foundations for a long life at Obuasi in order to benefit all stakeholders,? Ron Largent, AngloGold Ashanti?s Chief Operating Officer said. ?We believe our strategy for this mine will secure its place as an important gold producing asset providing high-quality jobs and establishing itself as a cornerstone of the local economy for the decades to come.?
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