Asante Gold has announced its decision to award the contract to conduct mining activities at the Bibiani Mine to PW Mining, a Ghanaian-based mining services contractor.
Concerning the project schedule for the Bibiani Mine, Open Pit Operations will start in February 2022, including development of satellite pits and provide feed material to the Process Plant from Q2 2022.
With a track record in executing mining projects in the country, PW Mining has delivered projects for many major mining companies, including most recently for the Asanko Gold (Galiano Gold) Obotan mine. PW Mining employs a highly trained and motivated workforce in West Africa, with Ghanaians representing over 98 per cent of its staff.
PW Mining’s reputation of delivering projects safely, on time, and to the highest standards has been well established, and thus has demonstrated competence in its field of work. In both 2016 and 2019, the Ghana Chamber of Mines awarded PW Mining the Mining Services Contractor of the Year Award for outstanding service and for being a Mining Industry leader.
According to a Press Release by Asante Gold Company, Bibiani’s main pit development which has a “planned ultimate +350 metres” depth in 2029, includes a 4-stage cut back program.
Total material movement is expected to be up to 75 million tonnes per year. PW Mining will mobilize up to 125 units of heavy equipment, including drills, excavators, haulage trucks, bulldozers, and ancillary equipment. Site establishment includes construction of a heavy equipment maintenance facility, offices, and a training center.
PW Mining Contract to Generate Employment in Local Communities
According to the statement, the contract is expected to generate employment for more than 850 people by PW Mining at the Bibiani site.
Douglas MacQuarrie, President and CEO of Asante Gold stated:
“Our Team has been impressed by the quality of people, resources, and record of success in the mining business that PW Mining brings to the Bibiani Mine. Asante looks forward to working with PW Mining, and all our other project partners, to continue to deliver a safe and successful operation.”
Douglas MacQuarrie, President/CEO Asante Gold
PW Mining has an already existing relationship with the local communities, as it has been previously contracted to mine at Bibiani. Thus, sourcing for workforce within the local communities would be adequately handled.
The statement further stressed that Asante Gold and PW Mining are committed to employ more than 70 per cent of the mine workers from the immediate community.
Therefore, to support the achievement of this objective, a training center will be established and equipped with a state-of-the art heavy equipment simulator facility, ensuring operators are trained and certified to the highest industry standards.
The Process Plant is currently undergoing refurbishment which was initiated in September 2021 and remains on track and on budget for first gold pour in Q3 2022, the statement highlighted.
To achieve this objective, more than 900 people have been working on site to get the Plant fully ready. Asante Gold, upon taking over the Bibiani Gold Mine from Resolute Mining, has since been swift with ensuring that gold production from the mine picks up pace.
Should the expected gold pour in Q3 2022 occur as planned, this would help set the company for an increased production capacity in the coming years.
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