- In 1962, Newmont revolutionized the gold mining industry with the world’s first discovery of submicroscopic or “invisible gold.”
- Newmont helped found the ICMM, promoting sustainable development and social responsibility in mining.
Recent Features :
Our Business
Our People
Our Values
Our Environment
Ahafo Amoma Begins Mining Ahead of Schedule
Index of Features
Ahafo, Ghana
Located northeast of the existing Ahafo South mill in Ghana, Newmont's Ahafo Amoma project gained access to the fourth and last pit in the Ahafo South permitted mining area. The project included land access to 1,600 acres of farm land, engineering design and construction of a 8.7-kilometer haul road, mine infrastructure and water management facilities – a sizeable task that has been completed ahead of schedule, under budget and with a commendable safety record.
"This project did not come without its challenges," said Chamil Baigildin, Amoma project manager. "During construction of the haul road and mine infrastructure, a large number of farmers had to cross the construction areas to access their farms, which posed potential safety risks. To address this, we employed a local contractor, who supplied a team of local youth to direct and assist people when crossing the construction zones. We also improved a number of "feeder" roads and pedestrian trails around the mine area, which provided the required safe access for farmers."
As of October 30, the Ahafo Amoma project team reported an exemplary safety record, spending more than one million man hours with no reportable incidents.
During the project, Newmont Ghana staff successfully managed permitting issues, land access and compliance with new regulations. The Business Readiness team also assessed preparedness of the site before moving into operations, and found it could begin production nearly three months earlier than anticipated.
The development generated improved training centers, community infrastructure and facilitated the employment of hundreds of local residents. The company also successfully relocated and compensated farmers, as well as preserved two archeological sites.
Now in full operation, the environmental and social responsibility aspects of the project continue. Newmont's Environmental and Social Responsibility (ESR)team continues to use a local contractor to employ youth and support farmers in accessing Amoma facilities. These include haul road underpasses, level crossings and trails. The ESR team also continues to manage interim reclamation work, the construction of four alternative community potable water sources, and consistently monitors noise, dust and the quality of water for the area's surrounding communities and hamlets.
Congratulations to the Ahafo Amoma team for its timely and safe delivery of the project.
November 30, 2010