Newmont to undertake underground mining

The Ahafo Project of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) is examining the possibility of underground mining in its Subika pit at Kenyasi.

Since 2006, the company has engaged in surface mining at the Ahafo site and extracted close to about two million ounces of gold from the Subika, Apensu, Awonsu and Amoma pits.

Mr Agbeko Azumah, the Communication Manager of the company, told journalists at a media briefing on Wednesday that NGGL had obtained permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Africa Underground Mining services was carrying out the exploration exercise that would last 18 months.

Mr Azumah said NGGL had held forums with communities within the mine take area, Asutifi District Assembly and other stakeholders to identify and address their concerns before the exploration exercise.

Mr Emmanuel Ato Aubyn, Community Relations Manager, explained the potential negative impact of underground mining and said Newmont had put in place interventions to mitigate such problems especially noise monitoring, vibration and air quality in and around the Subika pit.

He said rocks at the Subika pit were one of the hardest and competent for underground mining and added that NGGL had put in place interventions to guarantee the health status of the local people and employees at the mine.

Source: GNA