“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,” President and CEO Dave Anthony said. “With the process plant operational, Asante is now ready to advance with start of operations.” The Bibiani gold mine came out of care and maintenance in September and a refurbishment program has continued since that time.

Asante said it remains on track to pour gold in the third quarter of 2022. The mining program is on track, with material movement running at 6 million metric tons per month (mt/m). Stockpiling of mineralized material on the Run of Mine pad (ROM) has been ongoing since mining commenced in February. As of late May, there are more than 200,000 mt of ore on the ROM pad, the company said.

Refurbishment was completed on the primary crusher, conveyors, SAG and ball mills, and ancillary equipment. Harlequin International conducted the refurbishment program and work was completed safely, Asante said.