Business Times Issue 102 |Galiano Gold Ghana| Oct'23

NAVIGATING THE GOLDEN PATH OF LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION, AND SUSTAINABILITY

GALIANO GOLD GHANA

GALIANO GOLD GHANA

GALIANO GOLD GHANA:

NAVIGATING THE GOLDEN PATH OF LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Project by: Malvern Kandemwa

Words by: Michelle Duncan

Ghana is one of the top gold-producing countries in Africa, with an estimated 142.4 tonnes of gold mined in 2019. Among the many mining companies operating in the country, Galiano Gold Ghana, formerly known as Asanko Gold Ghana, is a prominent gold mining company with a rich history of exploration and resource development. Founded on the principles of responsible mining practices, sustainable development, and community en-

gagement, Galiano Gold Ghana has emerged as a leading player in the global gold mining industry. This historical narrative sheds light on the company’s evolution, its strategic location, and its mining operations in the heart of Ghana’s gold-rich terrain.

The roots of Galiano Gold Ghana can be traced back to the early 2000s when exploration efforts began in Ghana’s prolific Ashanti Belt. The company’s journey commenced with the discovery of the Esaase deposit in 2001, an event that would set the stage for its subsequent growth and development. Galiano Gold Ghana’s predecessor, Asanko Gold Inc acquired the Esaase deposit in

2013, marking a significant milestone in its history. The mine is one of the largest gold mines in Ghana, with proven and probable reserves of 4.8 million ounces.

Galiano Gold Ghana is strategically located in the heart of the Ashanti Belt, an area renowned for its immense gold deposits. This region, often referred to as the “Gold Coast,” has a storied history of gold mining dating back centuries, attracting prospectors and explorers from around the world. Today, the Ashanti Belt remains a geological treasure trove, with its rich gold-bearing ore bodies making it a prime location for modern gold mining operations.

Matt Badyla, CEO of Galiano Gold Inc.

The Asanko Gold Mine has been in production since 2016 and has consistently delivered strong operational and financial performance. In 2020, the mine produced 249,904 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,043 per ounce, exceeding the upper end of its guidance range. The success of the Asanko Gold Mine is driven by Matt Badyla,

the CEO of Galiano Gold Inc in Ghana, a dynamic and visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the company’s success by implementing best practices in mining operations, technology investments, improved infrastructure, procurement, and supply chain management. With his experience in the mining industry and a deep

understanding of the Ghanaian mining landscape, Badyla has been instrumental in driving Galiano Gold’s growth and sustainability initiatives. Under Badyla’s leadership, Galiano Gold Inc has focused on operational excellence, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. He has spearheaded efforts to improve the company’s oper-

ational efficiency, optimise production processes, and drive cost-effectiveness, leading to increased profitability and long-term sustainability.

The company has adopted a long-term mine plan that optimises the use of existing infrastructure and equipment, reduces waste stripping, and increases ore extraction. The company has also implemented a comprehensive health and safety management system that covers all aspects of its operations, from exploration to closure. The company has achieved an excellent safety record, with no fatalities and a lost-time injury fre-

quency rate of 0.07 per million hours worked in 2020. They invested in various technologies to enhance its productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. For example, the company has installed a fleet management system that monitors and optimises the performance of its mining equipment, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Also deployed a remote operating centre that allows real-time monitoring and control of its processing plant, improving throughput and recovery. Galiano Gold has also embraced digitalization and automation, using drones, sensors, analytics, and artificial intelligence to

improve its decision making and operational excellence.

Galiano Gold developed and maintained high-quality infrastructure to support its mining activities and benefit its stakeholders. The company has built a 5 Mtpa carbonin-leach processing plant that uses modern technology and equipment to process ore efficiently and safely. They constructed a 21 MW power plant that provides reliable and cost-effective electricity to the mine site. This has also developed a downstream tailings storage facility that meets international standards for environmental management and social responsibility.

PARTNER FOCUS:

BLOJ

WHO IS BLOJ?

BLOJ is a Ghanaian Incorporated company and locally owned.

The company offers Engineering Construction, Construction Project management and Mining services.

BLOJ is dedicated to organizations or Individuals seeking construction and mining services. We provide engineering construction services to Mining Companies, Power distribution and transmission companies, oil and pipeline companies, public works agencies, municipalities, and commercial/residential real estate developers.

Our area of expertise includes but not limited to building technology, civil, structural engineering, and Mining.

We are committed to providing the best possible construction expertise & service to ensure cost effective and successful projects.

We work closely with our clients to accurately interpret their dreams/visions in drawings and bring them to the desired reality through construction solutions to meet their needs; We communicate with our clients throughout the project process to keep them informed of progress and to ensure that our project keeps on schedule and within budget.

OUR VISION:

To set the unique industry standard through safety, quality projects and client satisfaction, guided by our core values we will constantly strive to implement the critical initiatives required to achieve the vision.

OUR MISSION:

We aim to be a world class engineering Construction Company providing efficient affordable, sustainable, cost-effective services of highest level of quality.

OUR VALUES:

We believe in maintaining the highest standard of professionalism, integrity, creativity, positive attitude, delivery that meets and surpass expectations while offering prompt and lasting solutions that stand the test of time.

WHAT WE DO:

• TAILINGS STORAGE FACILITY CONSTRUCTION

• HAULAGE OF ORE & WASTE MATERIAL

• HDPE LINING AND GEOTEXTILE INSTALLATION

• OPEN PIT MINING

• BULK EARTHWORKS

• ROAD CONSTRUCTION

• HAUL ROAD CONSTRUCTION

• CIVIL WORKS

STEEL STRUCTURE WORKS

• CONSTRUCTION OF WATER TREATMENT FACILITY

• BUILDING CONSTRUCTION WORKS (REAL ESTATE& RESETTELMENT)

LABOUR HIRE

• INSTALLATION OF GABION BASKET

TAILINGS RECLAMATION WORKS

• SUPPLIES OF GOODS

ROMPAD MANAGEMENT

In addition, they established a robust procurement system that ensures timely delivery of goods and services at competitive prices. Galiano Gold has also fostered strong relationships with its suppliers, especially local suppliers such as Bloj Company Limited, to support local economic development and empowerment. The company has implemented a local procurement policy that re-

quires at least 70% of its procurement spend to be sourced from Ghanaian-owned businesses. The company has also supported its local suppliers with training, mentoring, and financing opportunities to enhance their capacity and quality. The company has optimised its supply chain management to reduce costs, risks, and environmental impacts, adopted a just-in-time inventory management approach that reduces stockpiling and wastage of materials. They also implemented a planning management system that tracks and coordinates the movement of materials from source to destination, reducing delays and losses. Adopting sustainable transportation modes, such as rail and

sea freight, to reduce its carbon footprint.

Furthermore, Badyla has placed a strong emphasis on building positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders. By prioritising community engagement and social responsibility, Galiano Gold has developed strong partnerships, fostered local economic growth, and contributed to the overall development of Ghana’s mining sector. By implementing these best practices, Galiano Gold Ghana has demonstrated its leadership in sustainable mining, creating value for its shareholders, employees, communities, and the environment. They also invested $6 million in communi-

GALIANO GOLD IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW MINING COMPANIES CAN ACHIEVE OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE WHILE ADHERING TO HIGH ESG STANDARDS.

ty development projects, such as education, health care, water supply and sanitation.

Galiano Gold Ghana is an example of how mining companies can achieve operational excellence while adhering to high ESG standards. The company’s vision is to become a mid-tier gold producer in West Africa with a portfolio of long-life, low-cost assets that generate strong cash flows and dividends. The dedication to sustainable mining practices and fostering positive community relationships. The company has responsible environmental management, implementing measures to minimise its ecological footprint and mitigate the impact of mining on local ecosystems. Galiano Gold Ghana actively engages with local communities through various social initiatives, including education, healthcare, infrastructure

development, and job creation. By prioritising sustainability and community engagement, the company leaves a positive and lasting impact on the regions in which it operates.

Galiano Gold Ghana’s history is a tale of exploration, discovery, and responsible resource extraction in one of the world’s most goldrich regions. Situated in the Ashanti Belt, the company’s strategic location has provided access to prolific gold deposits that continue to fuel its growth and success. Its mining operations at the Asanko Gold Mine, encompassing both the Nkran and Esaase deposits, exemplify precision, safety, and sustainability.

As Galiano Gold Ghana continues to navigate the complexities of the gold mining industry, its history stands as a testament to the potential of responsible mining

practices and sustainable development. This rich history serves as a foundation for a future that is not only prosperous but also rooted in ethical and environmentally conscious resource extraction. In addition to his strategic leadership, Badyla has also demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. He has championed sustainable mining practices, ensuring that Galiano Gold operates in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner. With its proven record of delivering on its promises, Galiano Gold Ghana is well-positioned to achieve this vision and continue to be a leader in sustainable mining.

GALIANOGOLD.COM

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