Mining giant Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine plans to recruit about 2,000 workers whiles it also anticipates to create 1,000.

More indirect jobs with emphasis on adhering to the local content law when the company resumes full scale operations in Obuasi. This was revealed on Friday, 31st March, 2017 at a public hearing on the proposed Obuasi Gold Mine Redevelopment and Tailings and Water Infrastructure projects by AngloGold Ashanti under the auspices of the Environmental Protection Agency in Obuasi.

Stating the purpose for the well attended public hearing, Mr. Michael Sandow Ali, the Head of Mining Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it was prudent to organize such a public hearing especially after receiving and reviewing documents on the Redevelopment and the Tailing projects from the Mine. He further appealed to the residents present to take advantage of the platform created to make their grievances known taking into consideration the significance of the Mine to them.

PRESENTATION FROM MANNAGEMENT OF ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI

The General Manager

Mr. Eric Asubonteng, the General Manager of AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine told the highly enthusiastic gathering that the Mine which is over 120 years has not chalked a lot of successes in recent years. He stated that their dwindling fortunes have been as a result of a dip in production and high operational cost.

In their bid to salvage the situation, the General Manager said, the Multinational company adopted what he termed as a ‘ STOP and FIX’ approach which involved an attractive a severance package of a whopping amount of $240 million for affected workers and the suspension of its underground operations in November, 2014.

To resuscitate the Mine and make it more profitable, the company conducted a feasibility studies which involved two major projects, the Redevelopment of the Mine which involves going underground to explore for gold to enhance production and the Tailings and water infrastructure where they would dispose of waste materials. This, Mr. Asubonteng indicated, have been submitted to EPA for their approval.

Mr. Frederick Nsarkoh- The Projects Manager, AGA

The Projects manager also disclosed that the Obuasi Mine has 20 years capacity or reserve and also has a potential to last longer with several other more productive areas yet to be explored by the Mining giant. Again, Mr. Nsarkoh stated that the company would undertake massive renovation works on their properties or assets at Sam Jonah Estates, Dankwa, Bruno, Tinny Rowland and the Bill Horssey Estates to provide befitting residential accommodation for their workers. This, he opined, would also create employment for indigenes of the Mining town.

On the facilities to be used for the much awaited KNUST-OBUASI campus, the Projects Manger said, plans are far advanced to release the facilities to the school which will also boost the economy of Obuasi.
Abeiku Arthur- Environmental Supervisor, AGA

He assured residents of Obuasi that the company is concerned about the environmental effects of their activities once they start full scale operations. He allayed the fears of the people about any environmental challenges and said the company will strictly follow the laid down regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the environment.

Nana Ampofo Bekoe- The Sustainability Manager, AGA

Amidst wild cheers from the gathering, the Sustainability Manager, Nana Ampofo Bekoe made known that the company intends to employ about 2,000 workers whiles it anticipates about 1,000 indirect jobs to be created. He assured the people that the company will follow the Local content law governing the Mining industry to the letter.

Opportunities were given to the public to also express their concerns. Chiefs from Anglogold Ashanti concessionary areas, Officers from the Environmental Protection Agency, Heads of Department, Staff of Anglogold Ashanti and the Media were all in attendance.

SIGNED
(SAMPSON MANU)
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER

THE REGIONAL INFORMATION OFFICER
INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
KUMASI
Cc: The Ag. Director
Information Department
Accra


The Acting Municipal Chief Executive
Obuasi Municipal Assembly
Obuasi