Modern Mining September 2020

REGIONAL FOCUS: WEST AFRICA

Mining in West Africa steams ahead despite pandemic

With some of the world’s highest gold grades, the West African mining sector is generally producing well even under COVID-19 conditions – and mines are relying on explosives companies to maintain supply security and technical assistance through these challenging times.

A ccording to Michael Klaasen – GM of West African Operations at explosives and blasting global company BME, part of the Omnia group – the COVID-19 pandemic has had minimal effect on its mining clients’ production from a blasting perspective. “Most mine sites are locked down, with access limited to only certain essential deliveries,” says Klaasen. “Some mines were considering reducing production in the event of a shortage of raw materi- als, but BME has managed to keep clients blasting during this time with sufficient stocks, continued deliveries and dedicated personnel on sites.” Borders between countries have remained open to cargo, allowing BME’s supplies to reach customer sites in Mauritania, Mali, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso. Goods and raw materials are shipped into Nouakchott in Mauritania, into Dakar in Senegal and into Tema or Takoradi in Ghana. “Our cross-border channels have allowed BME to keep three months of stock on site, in line with customer’s expectations,” he says. A number of BME technical personnel have

remained on mine sites around the region since the start of the lockdowns in the different countries. In some cases, these personnel have even been able to stand in for mine blasting staff, to ensure that blasting takes place safely. He says BME has applied all the necessary COVID-19 measures required – in line with its own health and safety protocols as well as the customer’s policies and the national regula- tions for that country. “This generally includes the wearing of face masks, the use of sanitisers, regular temperature checks and ensuring social distancing,” he says. “Our emulsion trucks are also sanitised before enter- ing mine sites to reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus.” Tech to the fore In addition to supplying emulsion explosives and electronic detonation systems, BME has also assisted customers in West Africa with blast design using its BLASTMAP software. “This has been done on-site where possible, as well as on-line when necessary,” says Klaasen. “During the COVID-19 lockdown, this on-line

Joe Keenan, MD of BME.

Michael Klaasen, GM of West African Operations.

BME has maintained supply security and technical assistance through these challenging times, while ensuring safety remains top of mind.

34  MODERN MINING  September 2020