Asante Gold Corp has bought US$12 million worth of “automation ready” underground mining equipment from Epiroc for use at its Chirano gold mine in Ghana.
Asante is increasing underground and surface production at Chirano as part of plans to lift production to 175,000oz of gold next year from 129,000oz in 2024. It also expects to start underground development at neighbouring Bibiani in the current quarter as it moves to add about 100,000ozpa of underground production and ramps up to 250,000ozpa next year at that site.
Asante acquired Chirano from Kinross Gold Corporation in 2022 for US$225 million.
It recently secured a $500 million financing package to support development and expansion at Bibiani and Chirano, where it aims to increase output to as much as 500,000oz in 2028.
It has earmarked about $355 million of capital expenditure for Bibiani and $94 million for Chirano.
“The Epiroc mine equipment fleet is world class and brings advanced technology plus reliability,” Asante CEO Dave Anthony said.
“This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards unlocking Chirano’s full potential and we are confident it will generate lasting value for years to come.”
Epiroc said delivery of a 65-tonne-payload underground truck, 18t loader and production and development drilling rigs had started and would continue over the next few months.
“The machines are part of Epiroc’s Smart series which means that they are automation ready,” the manufacturer said.
“Asante Gold also ordered a digital situational awareness solution that will increase efficiency by keeping track of the machines and providing near real-time production metrics such as tonnages moved, cycle time and meters drilled.”
