A TRANSFORMATION OF DEPTH AND SCALE IN GHANA’S MINING SECTOR
A TRANSFORMATION OF DEPTH AND SCALE IN GHANA’S MINING SECTOR
ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI PROJECT DIRECTED BY: GARY SMITH
Located in Ghana's Ashanti region, the Obuasi mine is one of Africa’s most significant and longeststanding mining operations. This gold mine is renowned not only for its size but also for its recent advancements that promise to take it to new heights. AngloGold Ashanti, a leading global gold mining company, has breathed new life into the Obuasi Mine, transforming it into an operation that aims to shape the future of mining in the region and beyond.
Obuasi's mining history dates back to the late 19th century, with gold being extracted from this area as early as 1897. Since then, it has become one of the world’s richest gold mines, with production levels steadily increasing over the decades. AngloGold Ashanti, a global leader in the mining industry, took over the operation in 2004, and since then, it has overseen major improvements and expansions at the site.
The Obuasi Mine operates as a large underground mining operation, extending to depths of up to 1,500 meters. Over 4,400 people are directly employed at the site, underscoring the
importance of the mine not only as a key contributor to Ghana’s economy but also as a major provider of employment in the region. The mine has long played a pivotal role in Ghana’s economy, with its gold production contributing significantly to the country’s status as one of Africa’s top gold producers.
However, despite its deep history and rich production, the mine faced significant challenges in recent years. These included operational inefficiencies, safety concerns, and fluctuating gold prices. AngloGold Ashanti recognized the need for transformation and invested in modernizing the Obuasi operation to ensure its continued viability and growth in the 21st century.
In 2018, AngloGold Ashanti announced plans to refurbish and redevelop the Obuasi Mine, embarking on a major transformation to return the mine to profitability and improve its environmental and safety standards. These plans were implemented under the leadership of key figures within the company, including the appointment of Samuel Boakye Pobee as Managing Director of the Obuasi Mine in May 2024.
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Samuel Boakye Pobee, who took charge during a critical phase in the mine’s transformation, brings extensive experience in the mining industry. His appointment marked a new chapter for the mine, with a focus on improving operational efficiency, safety standards, and community relations. Under his leadership, Obuasi is poised to undergo a series of upgrades that will increase both production levels and the economic benefits derived from the mine.
According to Pobee, the ongoing transformation at Obuasi focuses not only on operational improvements but also on ensuring that the community benefits from the mine’s success. In an interview, he stated, "Our commitment to Obuasi’s transformation goes beyond mining. We are focused on creating sustainable development and fostering economic empowerment for local communities."
AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine plays an indispensable role in Ghana’s gold production. With reserves of over 25 million ounces of gold and an expected
life span of several decades, Obuasi is expected to continue to be a cornerstone of the country’s gold mining industry. The mine’s revitalization is expected to increase production from approximately 250,000 ounces annually to more than 500,000 ounces in the near future.
The economic impact of the Obuasi Mine is felt across the Ashanti region and beyond. The mine’s contribution to Ghana’s GDP is substantial, and it has fostered the development of infrastructure, education, and health services in surrounding communities. With over 4,400 employees directly working at the site and many more benefiting from the mine’s auxiliary services, the Obuasi Mine provides vital jobs and economic opportunities in an area that depends heavily on the mining sector.
In addition to employment, Obuasi is integral to the local supply chain. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Ashanti region benefit from the services provided to the mine,
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including construction, logistics, and maintenance services. Furthermore, the mine is a major contributor to local tax revenues, which are used to fund public services in the region, making it a key player in the government’s economic strategy.
AngloGold Ashanti has made significant strides in improving the environmental and safety standards at Obuasi. One of the company’s core values is sustainability, and it has prioritized minimizing the environmental footprint of the mine’s operations. The company has adopted modern technologies to reduce emissions, improve waste management, and conserve water resources. Moreover, the mine has implemented a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate areas affected by mining activities, with the goal of ensuring that these areas can be used for future development.
Safety remains a top priority at Obuasi, with the mine being committed to maintaining a zero-harm workplace. Through continuous training programs and the introduction of cutting-edge safety technology, AngloGold Ashanti is ensuring that Obuasi meets and exceeds global mining safety standards. The company’s safety record at Obuasi has significantly improved over recent years, reducing the number of workplace accidents and fatalities.
A significant milestone in Obuasi’s development was the recent announcement of a $1 billion contract awarded to Perenti, a leading Australian mining services company. Perenti will provide essential mining services at the Obuasi Mine, including underground mining, maintenance, and supply chain management. This partnership is expected to enhance Obuasi’s mining capacity and further contribute to the mine’s revitalization.
The Perenti contract is a testament to the commitment of AngloGold Ashanti to work with global partners to elevate the standards of the Obuasi operation. As part of this agreement, Perenti is expected to bring advanced technology
and mining expertise that will streamline operations and reduce costs. The contract marks a critical moment in the mine’s transformation and further solidifies Obuasi’s reputation as a modern, highly efficient mining operation.
The transformation of the Obuasi Mine is still in its early stages, but the potential for growth is substantial. As AngloGold Ashanti works to expand production and improve the mine’s operational efficiency, the economic benefits to Ghana and the local community will continue to grow. The Obuasi Mine will remain a cornerstone of Ghana’s gold industry and a key driver of the country’s economic growth in the coming decades.
AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to sustainability and community development ensures that the benefits of the Obuasi Mine extend beyond mining. As the mine continues to evolve, it will become an example of how modern mining can foster sustainable growth, create jobs, and contribute to the overall
development of the region.
Samuel Boakye Pobee’s leadership and the innovative partnerships being developed around Obuasi highlight a promising future for the mine and its surrounding communities. Through continuous investment in technology, safety, and environmental practices, AngloGold Ashanti is laying the groundwork for a mining operation that will stand as a model for responsible, sustainable, and profitable mining in Africa.
As Obuasi continues to develop and thrive, it will not only remain one of Ghana’s most valuable assets but will also set a high standard for the global mining industry. With the vision of transforming the mine into a modern, world-class operation, AngloGold Ashanti is ensuring that Obuasi will play a leading role in the global gold industry for many years to come.
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GIG Engineering Services is a wholly owned Ghanaian company providing engineering services to the mining and its allied industries in Ghana and elsewhere.
The company was established in 2009 by the Managing Director, John Azumah. It has grown by leaps and bounds to make its impact felt within the industry.
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be prevented. We continuously and consistently strive towards zero harm. We view compliance with applicable laws and regulations only as a minimum requirement, not the standard for our own performance.
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