Asante Gold Corporation is moving forward with its plans to enhance gold production at the Bibiani Gold Mine in Ghana. The company has provided an update on the progress of its sulphide treatment plant and the rerouting of the Bibiani-Goaso Highway.
The installation of the sulphide plant is a crucial step in Asante’s strategy to increase gold production at Bibiani to over 250,000 ounces per year. The plant, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025, will significantly improve gold recovery from sulphide ore, resulting in increased production and lower costs.
The sulphide plant will be integrated with the existing process plant and will include rougher flotation, thickening, regrinding, and high-intensity leaching. Civil works for the plant are currently 55% complete, and the delivery of long-lead time equipment is scheduled to begin in September 2024.
Once the sulphide plant is operational, Asante anticipates producing approximately 20,000 ounces of gold per month at Bibiani, aligning with the company’s long-term mine planning.
In addition to the progress on the sulphide plant, Asante has successfully rerouted the Bibiani-Goaso Highway to maintain access to the mine. This rerouting allows the company to access 170,000 ounces of previously inaccessible gold from the main pit over the next 12 months. The completion of the first pass of grade control drilling and the delivery of oxide ore to the process plant have already resulted in an approximate 85% gold recovery.
By deferring the full processing of sulphide ore until the sulphide plant is completed, Asante will be able to recover approximately 92% of the gold in the ore, compared to the current recovery rate of around 70%.
Asante Gold Corporation is committed to improving and optimizing its operating mines, and the progress made on the sulphide treatment plant and highway rerouting at Bibiani Gold Mine demonstrates the company’s dedication to achieving its production goals. With a high-quality portfolio of projects and mines in Ghana, Asante is well-positioned for continued success in the gold mining industry.