Business News of Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Source: GNA

Iduapriem mines 1.4 million tones in seven years.

Tarkwa, March 9, GNA - Anglogold Ashanti, Iduapriem Mine, located at Tarkwa, has mined a total of 1.4 million ounces of Gold between 2004 and March this year.

This record feat was achieved without any mining injuries and operated one million hours safely within the same period.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), in an interview, Mr Billy Mawasha, Managing Director of Iduapriem said the feat was achieved through hard work, sustained education, and improved mine worker relations. He said safety was a paramount ingredient in the mining sector, and that occupational injuries, usually led to Loss Time Injuries (LTI), but Iduapriem had adopted many modern operational practices to eliminate such injuries making the mines a safer place for all its workers. Mr Mawasha said the company values its staff and would do everything t= o make them feel safe and give off their best and will not compromise mine safety principles and standards.

He noted however that the mine has not been able to effectively communicate with its host communities and other stakeholders. He said conscious efforts would be made to make the various host communities benefit more, through engagements with them, especially in community activities.

Mr Mawasha appealed to the workers not to relent on their safety and basic mine rules to safeguard lives and property.