The Chief Executive Officer of AngloGold Ashanti, Kelvin Dushnisky, has acknowledged the role local content providers played in the re-opening of its US$500 million Obuasi Mine.
Speaking at the formal opening of the mine on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, Mr. Dushnisky stated that the opening of the redeveloped Mine would not have been possible without the crucial role of local players.
According to him, the Obuasi Mine, which is expected to produce 400,000 ounces of gold every year for the first ten years, is strongly committed to maximizing local content development.
“We recognize the need to deepen the participation of Ghanaians at every stage of this enterprise. We prioritize local employment and skills development. We have assisted the Ghanaian businesses to stand in front of the line when it comes to rebuilding and operating the new mine,” he noted
The Obuasi Mine was shut down for about five years with no mining activity and in getting the Mine up and running, he stated Ghanaian businesses were engaged at every aspect of the project from electrical engineering to the construction and underground refurbishment.
He also revealed that the workforce is also heavily dominated by Ghanaians.
“I am very proud to say that 80 cents of every dollar invested have been spent with Ghanaian companies. Not only is 96 percent of the workforce Ghanaian, but three-quarters of those are from Obuasi,” he added.
Local economy turnaround
President Akufo-Addo speaking, at the pouring of the first gold of revamped Obuasi Mine, charged the company to ensure its operations leads to a change of fortunes of the Obuasi Municipality and other host communities where AngloGold Ashanti operates.
The President said the operation of the mine must benefit the country and the communities immensely.
He also tasked the management of the mine to work closely with stakeholders to reduce poverty in the host communities.
Nana Addo said the company will contribute two dollars per every ounce of gold produced into a Community Trust Fund to facilitate development projects.
“I expect the first pour to mark the return to winning ways, not just for Obuasi and AngloGold, but for the mining sector in Ghana as a whole. I am counting on this mine, to pull the adjoining communities out of their poverty and enable them to reflect the wealth that their soil has generated.”
Ahead of the commencement of gold production by the company, a contribution of 250,000 dollars has been paid into the Community Trust Fund, part of which has been used for some infrastructural projects.
