Ghana’s EPA gives approval for Adamus to begin mining
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana has given approval to Perth based Adamus Resources Limited, a mining company, to begin mining activities in Ghana, a press release from the company has said.
Following the approval of the company’s Environmental Permit, Adamus Ltd., would commence mining at its Southern Ashanti Gold Project (SAGP). The Project encompasses approximately 500km2 of tenure in the Ashanti Gold Belt – host to over 100moz of gold and the Project boasts excellent access to port and road infrastructure.
The release quoted the Chief Operating Officer of Adamus, Mark Connelly as saying that the EPA approval was a major milestone and fundamental step forward in the development of the Project.
“The approval and permitting works have been a priority for Adamus during 2008 and we are delighted to have successfully completed this step and move closer to bringing the Project into commercial operation,” he said.
According to the release, approval of the Permit is the culmination of extensive baseline environmental studies which formed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to the EPA. Adamus also conducted extensive community consultation program and public hearings on the ground in Ghana.
Mr. Connelly said Adamus was aiming to commence development at the SAGP during 2009 and was targeting annual production of up to 100,000 ounces of gold by 2010.
The Company has estimated gold mineral resources at the SAGP of approximately 28.4Mt @ 1.78g/t for 1,630,000oz (Measured and Indicated) and 6.43Mt @ 1.64g/t for 340,000oz (inferred).
The Permit follows granting of the SAGP mining licences in April 2008 and the increase in the Company’s mineral resource and ore reserve estimates, which were announced in February 2008 and April 2008 respectively.
During 2008, Adamus has also increased its holding within the highly prospective Ashanti Gold Belt to 626 square kilometres with the option to acquire nearby tenements from Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, the release said.
By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi