Asante Gold has announced the successful refurbishment, commissioning and start of operation of the Process Plant and associated equipment at the Bibiani Gold Mine, following an intensive period of refurbishment and upgrade of the Process Plant and principal equipment.

In a press statement released today, June 2, 2022, a 14-day period of intermittent operation is planned to test controls, calibrate operating systems and align critical equipment “under full load”. This is expected to lead to 24 hour per day operation by the end of June 2022.

The company said its mining program is on track, with material movement running at 6 million tonnes per month. Stockpiling of mineralized material on the Run of Mine Pad (ROM) has been ongoing since mining commenced in February 2022, Asante Gold stated. As of late May 2022, there were more than 200,000 tonnes of mineralized material on the ROM Pad, according to the statement.

Successful Refurbishment of Crusher

It has been close to a month since the company recently announced the successful refurbishment and operation of a primary crusher and associated equipment at the Bibiani gold mine. The primary crusher system includes a 42” X 72” gyratory crusher capable of delivering 544 tonnes per hour to the mill.

“Comprehensive refurbishment has been completed on the primary crusher, all conveyors, SAG and Ball Mills, ancillary equipment, all mechanical drives, lubrication systems, electric motors, pumps, piping, electric systems, instrumentation systems, valves, steelwork, rubber installations and civil works.

“Asante is pleased to recognize and thank the team from Harlequin International, which conducted the refurbishment program and ensured a high level of quality work was completed safely.”
Asante Gold

Dave Anthony, President and CEO of Asante Gold said:

“We are pleased that our refurbishment efforts at the Bibiani Gold Mine have been delivered ahead of schedule. The excellent and timely work completed safely by Ghanaian contractors, is just another example of how the Ghanaian mining industry is fully resourced to support development and maintenance of modern, large-scale mining operations. With the Process Plant operational, Asante is now ready to advance with Start of Operations.”
Asante Gold

Asante on track for First Gold Pour

The Bibiani Gold mine came out of care and maintenance in September 2021 and an extensive refurbishment program has continued since that time, the company stated. With the support of its key contractors, Asante remains on track to pour gold in the third quarter of 2022.

The company intends to produce more than 175,000oz of gold in its first 12 months of operation. Thereafter, it plans to produce 220,000 to 270,000 ounces every year for a minimum of seven years, according to previous statements released to this effect.

The company has also recorded a high-grade gold discovery in its initial drilling at its South Russel prospect, located at the Bibiani mining lease, 3.8km from the Process Plant.

Recently, the company struck a deal with Kinross for its Chirano Gold mine. The deal which is one of the biggest deals, in the third quarter of 2022, will give Asante Gold more leverage to become a major gold miner in the country.