The Chirano Gold Mine has for the first time in the five years of its operation exceeded production target.

It had 292,534 oz. in 2012 as against the targeted 287,846 oz.

The General Manager and Vice-President of the company, Mr  Ken Norris, who made this known at a media engagement at the company’s headquarters at Akkoti/Etwebo in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District in the Western Region, attributed the significant achievement to teamwork, dedication of the workforce and the production of quality gold.

The first gold poured out of Chirano Mines in October 2005.

Red Back Mining, which originally owned Chirano Gold Mines, sold its ownership to Canada-based Kinross Gold Corporation on September 17, 2010 as part of its acquisition of Red Back Mining Inc.

Kinross currently holds 90 per cent of the ownership of Chirano Gold Mines with the Ghana Government having 10 per cent.

Mr Norris mentioned the good relationship between the company and the operational communities, which had resulted in systematic introduction of development projects and programmes to better the lives of the people.

Chirano mines spent a total of US$3,355,034 in 2012 on community projects and donations, believing that through such initiatives, the lives of the people would be transformed.

In that year more than $1 million was spent on road rehabilitation and upgrading of three major roads. They included Ntrentreso Paboase, Subri Junction-Chirano-Akoti and Tanoso-Kunkumso-Chirano roads.

Conscious effort had also been made to train the youth in the catchment areas in various trades with the view to employing them in the company.

Currently, Chirano Mines is sponsoring six young people at Obuasi Anglogold Training School for three years with 50 others receiving training at the Chirano site.

Besides, 82 more are being screened to trained as truck drivers.

To date, 270 employees have been employed either directly by the company or its contracting companies.

The general manager of the company paid particular attention to dust suppression and said last year, 4514,312.80 was spent in that regard.

He further mentioned the Tano Suraw agriculture initiative aimed at assisting farmers to improve their yield and incomes. He said in spite of the initial challenges, moves had been made to reverse the situation.

He indicated that management of the company had decided to provide a small town water system for Akoti, Etwebo and Paboase communities this year.

He commended the media for the support given to the company, which had resulted in the giant strides it had made so far.

Source: Daily Graphic

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