GOLD FIELDS GHANA
FIELDS GHANA
GOLD FIELDS GHANA: IMPLEMENTING REVOLUTIONARY MINING TECHNOLOGY IN ORDER TO BOOST EFFICIENCY
Project by: Malvern Kandemwa
Words by: Michelle Duncan
Ghana is a country found in West Africa that is globally known for its gold production. The mining industry has played a critical role in the country’s economy for centuries, and Ghana Gold Fields is one of the leading gold mining companies in the region. The company has been running in Ghana since 1993, and it has employed over 5,000 people who are directly and
indirectly involved in its operations. It has implemented various strategies that have contributed to its success. One of the driving forces behind this success has been the leadership of their regional head of supply chain, Mr Joshua Mortoti.
Mr Mortoti has been an instrumental figure at the company, implementing measures that have significantly contributed to the success of the company’s operations. His leadership qualities have been essential in easing the company’s supply chain and ensuring
that the company has the resources it requires to run efficiently. The supply chain management process of any company is crucial to its success, and Mr Mortoti has been able to streamline this process effectively. He has implemented efficient inventory management systems, reduced lead times and delivery durations, and improved the quality of the company’s supplies. With his leadership, Gold Fields Ghana has been able to keep its operational efficiency and remain competitive in the mining industry.
One of the most significant challenges that mining companies face is environmental compliance. Gold Fields Ghana has consistently implemented environmental best practices to mitigate the impact of their mining activities. The company’s partnership with Knight Piesold Ghana limited has been crucial in this regard. Knight Piesold Ghana Limited is an engineering and environmental consulting company that supplies environmental services to various industries, including mining. The firm has been a valuable partner of Gold Fields Ghana,
supplying innovative solutions to environmental challenges, and improving the company’s environmental performance.
Additionally, the partnership has enabled Gold Fields Ghana to follow local and international standards and regulations on environmental compliance. Knight Piesold Ghana limited has also provided the company with insights and knowledge about best practices in environmental management, thus helping the company to stay ahead of its peers.
GOLD FIELDS GHANA HAS CONSISTENTLY IMPLEMENTED ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICES TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF THEIR MINING ACTIVITIES. THE COMPANY’S PARTNERSHIP WITH KNIGHT PIESOLD GHANA LIMITED HAS BEEN CRUCIAL IN THIS REGARD.
ABOUT KNIGHT PIESOLD GHANA
Knight Piésold Ghana Limited was Incorporated in 1996 and since that time has provided specialist Engineering, Environmental, Geosciences and Materials Testing services to the Mining sector within Ghana and neighboring West Africa countries.
The Knight Piésold group, of which Knight Piésold Ghana is part, is an international company of consulting Engineers and Environmental scientists providing services to public and private sector clients in the Water, Power, Mining and Environmental fields.
We work closely with our clients, understanding unique project characteristics within the context of today’s global business environment. With a commitment to quality, safety and technical excellence, Knight Piésold specializes in creating customized solutions at every stage of a project life cycle, while delivering sustainable, bottom-
line results. We have led numerous award-winning projects to completion and have fostered many long-term client relationships that hold strong today.
OUR EXPERTISE
Engineering: Geotechnical Engineering; Water Resources Engineering; Structural Engineering
Environmental: Baseline Studies; Water Quality Studies; Environmental Management Plans and Monitoring; Environmental and Social Impact Studies; Closure and reclamation; Environmental Auditing; Water Quality Studies; Social Studies and Community Engagement
Geosciences: Hydrology, Hydrogeology; Geochemistry
Management and Testing: Construction Supervision and QA/QC; Soils and Materials Testing; Geographic Information System; Data Management; Project Management
MINING OPERATIONS
Ghana Gold Fields’ mining operations have played a vital role in the company’s success in the region over the years. The company has two mining projects in Ghana: The Tarkwa Mine and the Damang Mine. The Tarkwa Mine is one of the largest gold mines in Africa, and it has been in operation since 1997. The Damang Mine is in the Western Region of Ghana, and it has been in operation since 1998. The company aims to produce over 1 million ounces of gold each year, and it has invested heavily in modern mining techniques to achieve this goal.
THE COMPANY AIMS TO
PRODUCE OVER 1 MILLION OUNCES OF GOLD A YEAR
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION
The Ghana Gold Fields Mining Company has invested heavily in advanced mining technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety for its employees. The company has implemented ultramodern mining equipment and instrumentation such as GPS,
robotics, and automation, which has led to better tracking and management of mining activities. The company uses autonomous haul trucks, which can work 24/7 without the need for breaks or drivers. This technology has significantly reduced accidents and improved productivity in the mines. The company has also deployed drones and other remote sensing technologies, making it possible to find and address issues in real-time. This also helps with mapping and surveying the mines. The drones enable the company to check its operations in real-time and collect data that is used to better understand its overall operational excellence.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is a major part of Ghana Gold Fields Mining Company’s vision. The company has adopted sustainable practices to ensure responsible, ethical, and environmentally friendly mining operations. The company has implemented measures to minimize its carbon footprint and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It has invested in renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The company also fosters good relationships with local communities by investing in their socio-economic development through education, healthcare, and other initiatives.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Gold Fields Ghana is also committed to creating value and improving the lives and communities of its stakeholders. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, the company has implemented various initiatives
and projects aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of the communities in which it works.
One of the key areas of focus of their CSR strategy is community development. The company has set up a dedicated Community Development Department (CDD) tasked with implementing development projects in collaboration with community leaders and other stakeholders. The CDD uses a participatory approach to engage communities in the identification and prioritization of development needs, ensuring that projects are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people.
Another important aspect of the CSR strategy is environmental stewardship. The company has implemented a comprehensive environmental management system aimed at minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment. They have invested in various initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, including the use of renewable energy
sources, such as solar and wind power.
Gold Fields is also committed to promoting responsible mining practices. The company has implemented measures aimed at improving occupational health and safety, such as the provision of personal protective equipment to all employees and regular training on health and safety issues. They also have a strong commitment to ethical conduct and have implemented various anti-corruption measures to ensure that its operations are conducted in a transparent and ethical manner.
THE COMPANY HAS SET UP A DEDICATED
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
(CDD) TASKED WITH IMPLEMENTING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS...
In addition to the above, Gold Fields Ghana has implemented various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of its employees and their dependents. The company supplies a range of social services to its employees, including health and medical services, education and training opportunities, and other welfare services aimed at improving their well-being.
Overall, Gold Fields’s CSR strategy is aimed at creating a sustainable future for both its stakeholders and the wider Ghanaian society. Through its various initiatives and projects, the company is showing its commitment to ethical conduct, environmental stewardship, and community development, which are all critical to the longterm success of its operations. As such, this is setting the standard
for responsible mining practices in Ghana and beyond.
The success of Gold Fields Ghana operations is attributed to several factors, including the leadership of Mr Joshua Mortoti and strategic partnerships like Knight Piesold Ghana limited. The company’s supply chain management process has been streamlined, and environmental compliance
has been prioritized, contributing to the sustainability of the company’s operations. As the mining industry in Ghana continues to grow, Gold Fields Ghana will undoubtedly continue to be a significant contributor to the development of the country’s economy.