AngloGold Ashanti has begun a search for one of its employees who was reported missing at the Obuasi Gold Mine.

A press statement dated 20th May, 2021 stated: ”AngloGold Ashanti reports with deep regret that an employee of our mining contractor at the Obuasi Gold Mine in Ghana is missing after a fall of ground in one of the operation’s mining stopes.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning and immediately triggered a search and rescue effort. The mine rescue teams have been working tirelessly, in difficult geotechnical conditions in the immediate area, to locate our missing colleague. The relevant authorities have been notified and are providing support during this time.

Safety remains our highest priority and all mining activity has been suspended. An update on the situation will be provided in due course” the statement said.

Background:
Three miners of the Obuasi Gold Mine were trapped in an underground site after parts of the mine caved in, some two day ago. Consequently, a search party was organized by the Company to find them. Two of the miners were found after they had escaped the rubble in the mine.

Mining accidents in Ghana are often linked to poorly enforced safety regulations at the mines. But AngloGold Ashanti is known to have one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced mining operations with strict adherence to all safety regulations.

The Obuasi mine has fresh gold reserves and is currently undergoing the second phase of redevelopment which is steadily progressing towards completion.

The company on May 10, said it has been implementing a revitalized safety strategy across the business, with particular focus on the critical controls needed to eliminate what is called ‘high consequence, low frequency’ events, to avoid incidences like mine traps.