Asante Gold launches 24-hour sulphide plant at Bibiani
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Asante Gold Corporation has commenced round-the-clock operations at its newly completed sulphide treatment plant at the Bibiani Gold Mine in the Western North Region, with the facility expected to boost the mine’s annual output to between 450,000 and 500,000 ounces of gold.
The USD32 million project, delivered on budget and without any lost-time accidents this year, marks a major milestone in the company’s strategy to enhance production from one of Ghana’s oldest gold mines.
The plant initially operated on a 12-hour basis from 27 September before transitioning to full 24-hour operations on 30 September.
Designed to recover gold from ore that is traditionally difficult to process, the sulphide treatment plant is projected to increase gold recovery rates to as high as 92 per cent, up from the previous average of 60 per cent.
The facility has the capacity to process four million tonnes of ore annually using advanced flotation, regrinding and high-intensity leaching technology.
International expertise was drawn from ALS in Australia, FLSmidth in the United States, MO Group in Europe and Maelgwyn in South Africa, while Ghanaian firms MiningPro Ghana Limited and Jet-Rom Engineering led project management and engineering works.
“With the Bibiani sulphide plant now operational, we are focused on ramping up production and achieving higher gold recovery,” said Dave Anthony, President and Chief Executive Officer of Asante Gold.
He added: “With the finances now in hand, we expect to grow long-term gold production to 450,000 to 500,000 ounces per year.”
Construction of the plant began in late 2024, targeting gold locked in sulphide minerals at depths beyond 110 metres.
According to the company, approximately 30 per cent of the deposit at Bibiani occurs in these fine particles. Tailings from the sulphide process are routed back to the existing carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant for additional treatment, maximising recovery.
Beyond Bibiani and Chirano, the company is advancing exploration at its Kubi, Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects in search of further discoveries.
