property, could threaten the long-term viability of the mine and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana’s ability
to continue its feasibility study and maintain critical services.
AngloGold Ashanti Ghana has informed local authorities, through a declaration of Force Majeure,
that under the current situation it may be constrained from fulfilling certain conditions of its
Amended Programme of Mining Operations, the permit that covers current activities at Obuasi.
Following engagement on 12 February 2016 between AngloGold Ashanti and the Ghanaian
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and other government officials, the Minister has
committed to sending a delegation of high-ranking government officials to examine the situation at
the mine. AngloGold Ashanti awaits the outcome of the delegation’s visit, and will continue to urge
authorities at a national and local level to assist in upholding the law and returning safety and
security to the site before further injuries or further loss of life occur.
- ENDS –
Background/ Notes to Editors
AngloGold Ashanti suspended underground mining operations at the Obuasi Mine at the end of
2014 after incurring heavy (and ultimately unaffordable) financial losses over several years.
Employees were paid a severance as mandated by law and in accordance with relevant Collective
Agreements and Employment Contracts. Despite a very difficult market for the global mining
industry, AngloGold Ashanti continues to invest significant time, skill and financial resources in
building the case for the Obuasi Mine’s redevelopment into a much needed, long-term contributor
to the local, regional and national economies.
Since the suspension of operations, Obuasi has been in a government-approved limited operations
phase, whilst AngloGold Ashanti conducts the feasibility study needed to determine whether the
mine can be redeveloped into a profitable, productive operation that can once again be a significant
employer and contributor to the local, regional and national economies in Ghana.
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