Modern Mining January 2022

MINING News

Asante Gold appoints mining contractor for Bibiani Gold Mine

Asante Gold Corporation (CSE: ASE/ FRANKFURT: 1A9/U.S.OTC: ASGOF) has awarded the contract to conduct mining activities at the Bibiani Mine to PW Mining (Ghana), and mobilisation to site has commenced. Open pit mining operations will start in February, including the development of satellite pits and provision of feed material to the process plant from Q2 2022. Main pit development, to its planned ultimate +350 m depth in 2029, includes a 4-stage cut back programme. Total material move- ment will be up to 75-million tonnes/year. PW Mining will mobilise up to 125 units of

heavy equipment, including drills, exca- vators, haulage trucks, bulldozers and ancillary equipment. Site establishment includes construction of a heavy equipment maintenance facility, offices and a training centre. PW Mining has been in operation in Ghana since 1994 and has delivered proj- ects for many major mining companies in Ghana, 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% of its staff. PW Mining’s reputation of delivering

projects safely, on time, and to the high- est standards has been well established. In 2016 and 2019, the Ghana Chamber of Mines awarded PW Mining the Mining Services Contactor of the Year Award for outstanding service and for being a mining industry leader. More than 850 people will be employed by PW Mining at the Bibiani site. Having previously been contracted to mine at Bibiani, PW Mining is well known to the local communities where most of its work- force will be sourced. Asante and PW Mining are committed to employ more than 70% of the mine workers from the imme- diate community. To support achievement of this objective, a training centre will be built and equipped with a state-of-the art heavy equipment simulator facility, ensur- ing operators are trained and certified to the highest industry standards. Refurbishment of the process plant was initiated in September 2021 and remains on track and on budget for first gold pour in Q3 2022. To achieve this objective, more than 900 people have been working on site. Douglas MacQuarrie, president & CEO, says: “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.” 

Mobilisation to site has commenced.

Pushpender Singla joins Minerals Council board

International Zinc producer, Vedanta Zinc International (VZI), has announced that the Minerals Council of South Africa has appointed VZI executive director and chief financial officer, Pushpender Singla as a member of its board. “I am pleased and honoured to join the Board of the Minerals Council of South Africa. I look forward to contributing to the success of the organisation and contribut- ing to further transformation, development and growth of the South African mining industry,” says Singla. The Minerals Council’s directive is to facilitate interaction among mining com- panies to examine policy issues and other matters of mutual concern to crystallise

and define desirable industry standpoints. A variety of initiatives are in place to pro- mote collaboration between members. Consultation and collaboration are volun- tary and never encroach on the autonomy of members. Singla is a chartered accountant both in India and South Africa. He has over 15 years’ experience in the mining sector in Australia, India and Africa. He is a multi-skilled busi- ness practitioner with a wide range of experience. He was appointed CFO at Vedanta Zinc International in October 2016. The Minerals Council acts as a princi- pal advocate for mining in South Africa to government, communicating major policies endorsed by its members. 

Singla is a Chartered Accountant both in India and South Africa.

4  MODERN MINING  January 2022